This guide describes Federal student aid programs, how to apply for them, and what these programs entail. Guidelines are provided on the ways to find out about student financial aid that is available and how to choose a school carefully. Additionally examined are student eligibility requirements, financial need rules, dependency status, steps in applying for a loan (forms and information needed), deadline dates, and special financial circumstances that affect loan amounts and family contributions. Telephone numbers for the Federal Student Aid Information Center are also provided along with what information is available. Finally, detailed information is provided on a variety of loan programs that are available, such as the College Work-Study program, Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Among the information discussed for each of the these loan types are the loan amount that can be borrowed, loan repayment information, how to apply and, when and how payments are made, and loan defaulting. (GLR)