Finding Out About Financial Aid
Provides general information about the major federal student aid programs (who is eligible and how to apply), tax credits for education expenses, and other federal, state, and private sources of information. Also, you should visit the website of the colleges that you are interested in for institutional financial aid information.

Applying for Financial Aid
Helps you pick an electronic aid application (FAFSA)and apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number), so you can apply for student aid right over the Internet. If you're applying using a paper application, you can also use this site to find your Federal (Title IV) School Code.

Paying Back Your Loan
Describes the deferments and cancellations for teaching in low-income schools or shortage areas, gives direction on consolidating your existing loans, and includes information about the recently implemented Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for teachers. Also, if your loan is in default, the Department of Education's Guide to Defaulted Student Loans can tell you how to get out of default.

Resolving Loan Disputes and Problems
The SFA Ombudsman works with student loan borrowers to informally resolve loan disputes and problems. The Ombudsman's goal is to facilitate and provide creative options/alternatives for borrowers needing assistance with the following federal loans: Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, Guaranteed Student Loans, SLS Loans and Perkins Loans.

Need More Help?

Federal Student Aid Information Center
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

Direct Loan Consolidation
1-800-557-7392

Directory of Guaranty Agencies

FAFSA on the Web
1-800-801-0576

Student Loan Ombudsman Customer Service
1-877-557-2575

Defaulted Student Loans
1-800-621-3115

Contact the Committee: ACSFA@ed.gov
Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance