Student loans can help fill cost gaps created by insufficient grants, scholarships, and family income in funding a postsecondary education. Whereas receipt of grant aid does not require repayment, student loans must be repaid with interest. Loans provide students with additional choices, such as living independently (instead of living with parents…

This report provides a detailed look at the sources and distribution of grants, loans, and other student aid for the most recent academic year and how this funding has changed over time. The federal government provided two-thirds of all student aid in 2016-17, but only one-third of the grant aid. In the context of uncertainty about the timing of…

This pamphlet provides basic facts about the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan Program for students. These loans include Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans. The pamphlet's sections are: (1) "The Direct Loan Program: What Is It?";…

This CD-ROM audio guide contains a simulated conversation between a counselor at the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Information Center and a student inquiring about financial assistance for college. The guide is designed to be useful to the visually impaired student. Following an introductory track providing contents information,…

This CD-ROM contains a simulated conversation between a counselor at the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Information Center and a student inquiring about financial assistance. Following an introductory track providing contents information, each track contains a section answering a different question about federal student loans. The…