<P> Federal Student Aid's core mission is to ensure that all eligible Americans benefit from federal financial assistance--grants, loans and work - study programs--for education beyond high school . The programs Federal Student Aid administers comprise the nation's largest source of student financial aid: during the 2010 - 11 school year alone, Federal Student Aid provided approximately $144 billion in new aid to nearly 15 million postsecondary students and their families . A staff of 1,200 is based in 10 cities in addition to the Washington, D.C. headquarters . </P> <P> While overseeing $864 billion in outstanding student loans, Federal Student Aid ensures that all partners in the student aid community--schools, servicers and guaranty agencies--operate fairly, honestly and efficiently . Another key role the organization performs is ensuring students and their families are aware that financial aid is available and is an important first step to education beyond high school . Federal Student Aid distributes numerous publications both in print and online and runs several customer call centers . Most of these services are provided in Spanish as well . </P> <P> The Federal Student Aid team is committed to making education beyond high school more attainable for all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status . </P> <P> Federal Student Aid provides financial assistance to students enrolled in eligible programs at participating postsecondary schools (accredited four - year or two - year public or private educational institutions, career schools or trade schools) to cover the cost of education expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation . Most federal aid is need - based . The three most common types of aid are grants, loans, and work - study funds . </P>

Federal student aid an officer of the us department of education