The federal government provides $33 billion in grant aid to post-secondary education students annually. The aid comes in several forms:

Need-based federal aid:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal Work Study
• Perkins Loans
• The Academic Competitiveness Grant
• National SMART Grant (National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant)

Financing options:

• Federal PLUS loans (also known as Direct Plus Loans)
• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Also known as  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans)
• Other parent loans
• Alternative Student Loans

The Department's Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. These programs provide more than $80 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance. In order to receive a grant from the federal program, your college must qualify to administer these grants. Check with your school’s financial aid department to be sure your school is a qualified participant.