Most student assistance from the U.S. Department of Education is in the form of grants, loans, and work-study to help pay the cost of attending a postsecondary institution. The Department's Federal Student Aid Office has information on these student financial assistance programs.
Office of Postsecondary Education Programs for Undergraduates
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships provides scholarships to help pay the cost of a college education. The program recognizes exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. This program is administered by the States and interested students should apply directly to the State Education Agency in their State of legal residence.
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad provides 3-year grants to U.S. institutions and organizations to conduct overseas intensive language programs. Students should contact funded projects directly for information and an application to participate.
Institute for International Public Policy provides a single grant to assist a consortium of colleges and universities to establish an institute designed to increase the representation of minorities in international service. To apply, students should contact the grantee.
Office of Postsecondary Education Programs for Graduate Students
Jacob K. Javits Fellowships provides graduate fellowships in the arts, humanities, and social science. Students apply directly to the U.S. Department of Education. Note: This is the only OPE program through which students apply directly to the Department of Education.
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships provides 3-year grants to universities who then award fellowships to students for the study of modern foreign languages and area or international studies. Students should contact funded institutions for application information.
Fulbright Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad provides fellowships for students in modern foreign languages and area studies programs to conduct research overseas. Students must apply through U.S. institutions of higher education.
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad provides 3-year grants to U.S. institutions and organizations to conduct overseas intensive language programs. Students should contact funded projects directly for information and an application to participate.
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Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need provides grants to colleges and universities who, in turn, award fellowships to graduate students in areas of national need. These include: biology, computer information science, engineering, geological science, mathematics, and physics.
Additional Resources
Accreditation - The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. Here you will find lists of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit.
Postsecondary Educational Institutions and Programs Accredited by Accrediting Agencies and State Approval Agencies Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education - This database lists approximately 6,900 postsecondary educational institutions and programs, each of which is accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a "reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education" within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).
Office of Postsecondary Education Programs and Initiatives - This page provides a complete list of programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education.
Diploma Mills and Accreditation: This site is will help consumers gain a better understanding of accreditation in the United States. It is important for every smart postsecondary education consumer to be aware of the differences between accredited and unaccredited institutions and the pitfalls of enrolling in a "diploma mill." The site is one tool available to consumers to help avoid diploma mills and provides resources for parents and students for evaluating and selecting postsecondary institutions.
Career Colleges and Technical Schools includes information for those thinking about postsecondary education or training for a specific career, trade, or profession.
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft: www.ed.gov/misused is a Web site from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General to help students and families protect themselves from the growing problem of identity theft.
Career Voyages is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education designed to provide information on high-growth, high-demand occupations along with the skills and education needed to attain those jobs.
College Cost and Other Information: College Navigator from the National Center for Education Statistics helps you find colleges based on location, programs, tuition, distance learning, evening courses, and more. Save your favorites and compare up to four colleges.
Tax Benefits for Higher Education: Refer to the IRS Web site for tax information for students. The site includes IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.
State Aid Resources: For information on state programs for college students, refer to our lists of:
Students.gov is a student gateway to information and services from the United States government, bringing together a wide variety of information and services. Through this site you can find the right college, get information about and apply for federal student aid, learn about other educational benefits, and much more.
International Educational Mobility: The U.S Network for Education Information, developed by the National Library of Education, provides information to help Americans contemplating an educational experience abroad, including extensive links to foreign education systems. It also presents information about education in the United States, its structure and organization, from the primary through the postgraduate levels, including a wide array of links to useful sites in the U.S. education community.
College and Admissions Information
Disclaimer
- Web U.S. Higher Education: Links to colleges and universities, including community colleges
- General Education Online: Database of links to higher education facilities worldwide
- Business, Technical, and Vocational Education Schools
- Saving for College
- The College Board
- College Board test dates
- ACT - Information for Life's Transitions
Other Financial Aid and Funding Resources
Disclaimer
- Federal Trade Commission - Scholarship Scams Project
- NASFAA - Financial Aid Resources for Parents and Students
- FinAid! The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Postsecondary Education
1990 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006