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Finding out about Student Aid


After reviewing this document, if you still have questions about our programs, return to our Web site for additional information. You will also find links to other student aid-related sites there. Or, you can call our Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

The cost of education or training after high school continues to rise, so you need to learn about as many sources of aid as you can. The following free resources can help:

  • The financial aid administrator at each school you’re interested in can explain the school’s aid programs and the total cost of attendance.

  • The state higher education agency in your home state can give you information about state aid— including aid from the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program, funded jointly by states and us.

  • The AmeriCorps Program provides full-time educational awards in return for work in community service. You can work before, during, or after your postsecondary education, and you can use the funds either to pay current educational expenses or to repay federal student loans. For more information on the availability of these awards, call 1-800-942-2677. The TTY number is 1-800-833-3722. Information is also available at www.americorps.org.

  • The agency in your state responsible for public elementary and secondary schools can give you information on the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (Byrd Program). You must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic excellence. For more information, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or click here.

  • Students.gov, the student Internet gateway to the U.S. government, provides access to government resources to help you plan and pay for your education. Besides finding financial aid information, you can use the Web site to file your taxes, search for a job, and take advantage of other government services.

  • Public libraries are an excellent source of information on state and private sources of aid.

  • Many companies and labor unions have programs to help pay the cost of postsecondary education for employees and/or their children.

  • Foundations, religious organizations, fraternities or sororities, and town or city clubs often offer financial assistance. Include in your search community organizations and civic groups such as the American Legion, YMCA, 4-H Club, Elks, Kiwanis, Jaycees, and the Girl or Boy Scouts.

  • Organizations connected with your field of interest can be helpful—for example, the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association are good sources for students seeking specialization in those fields.

  • The U.S. Armed Forces also offer financial aid opportunities. For more information on recruitment incentives, visit the U.S. Department of Defense Defenselink Web site at www.todaysmilitary.com. Under “What Do You Need?,” select “Learn about benefits and rewards,” and go to “College Help.” You can also contact your local recruiter.

  • Your local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office offers assistance. If you (or your spouse) are a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, veterans’ educational benefits may be available. Information is also available through the Internet at www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers two federal income tax credits (dollar-for-dollar reductions in tax liability) for higher education expenses.

    • The Hope tax credit, worth up to $1,500 per student, is available for first- and second-year students enrolled at least half time.

    • The Lifetime Learning tax credit is a tax benefit equal to 20 percent of a family’s tuition expenses, up to $10,000, for virtually any postsecondary education and training, including subsequent undergraduate years, graduate and professional schools, and even less-than-half-time study.

    For more information on the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, and other tax benefits for postsecondary students, visit www.irs.gov. IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, explains these credits and other tax benefits. Or, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. TTY callers can call 1-800-829-4059.

  • The Internet also has information on private sources of aid. Search under the keywords “financial aid,” “student aid,” “scholarships,” etc.

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