This guide tells about federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. It begins by outlining sources for finding out about student aid, such as state higher education agencies, guidance counselors, and organizations connected with particular fields of interest. The guide offers tips on choosing a school carefully. It briefly outlines student eligibility in terms of financial need and dependency status, and reviews the application process and important deadlines. Various grants, work-study programs, and loans are then described, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS loans, and Federal Direct Student Loans. Borrower responsibilities and rights are highlighted. The guide concludes with a deferment summary and a glossary of important terms. (JDD)