This document is a compilation of information about the more than 375 federal programs for postsecondary education--administered by about 23 government departments or agencies and supported by nearly $9.3 billion in 1972 federal expenditures. This directory is organized by alphabetical arrangement of federal departments and then of federal agencies. Within each section, the descriptions of programs are arranged alphabetically by program title. Within each description, there are nine elements: program name and administering agency; authorizing legislation; authorization, obligation, and expenditure figures; program objectives and operations; eligible applicants; primary beneficiaries; available program data; federal evaluation/studies; and information sources. (MJM)