The Basic Educational Opportunity Grant program, the largest federal student aid program, is explained. The method by which a student's eligibility is determined is described in detail. In a section on calculation of eligibility for dependent students, two worksheets are provided: that for families with no farm or business assets, and those with some farm or business assets. The steps for using the worksheets are described. Similarly, worksheets and directions are given for students with a family size of one, and for students with a family size greater than one, with and without farm or business assets. Case studies are provided as examples for the use of each worksheet, and appended are brief reference tables for determination of the student eligibility index: family size offsets in dollar amounts, the multiple student calculation rate, employment expense offset, income contribution rates (percentages) for independent students, and the dependent student offset against income (dollar amounts). (MSE)