On the next few pages you will learn about the major government financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Stafford Loans, Parental Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Perkins Loans, and Consolidated Loans.

Each major government financial aid program is described so that you understand whether you'll be eligible, how to apply, how money is disbursed, if loan repayment can be deferred, and so forth. Be sure to read the financial aid quick tips, which are located in blue boxes on the page.