Every student, who meets some basic eligibility requirements, can get some type of financial aid regardless of age or family income. Federal student aid is a financial aid from the federal government to help a student pay for education expenses at an eligible college, technical school, vocational school, or graduate school. There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study, and loans. A student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA[SM]) to receive this aid. This publication serves as a guide to federal student aid. It is divided into three parts: (1) Prepare to Pay for College; (2) Apply for Aid; and (3) Repay Your Loan. A glossary and a list of other federal student aid publications are included. (Contains 5 tables.)