Resources Available for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Funding Education Beyond High School: Audio Highlights

This audio release introduces students to resources such as Web sites and both Braille and print publications that will help them make informed decisions that are right for them in choosing a career and a school (such as talking to a counselor or teacher for advice). It will also show them what to look for—and look out for—in financing their education, and much more.

Audio Highlights also provides information on nonfederal sources of aid. Students can listen to Audio Highlights online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/audio.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^SM) and FAFSA on the Web^SM Worksheet

Students use the FAFSA to apply for the Department's federal student aid programs. Although the Braille FAFSA cannot be submitted, students may use it as a guide when they apply on paper, or they can use the Braille FAFSA on the Web Worksheet as a guide when they apply online at www.fafsa.gov.

College Preparation Checklist

This publication explains how to prepare academically and financially for college through “to do” lists aimed at elementary and secondary school students and their parents, as well as adult students. This is the primary publication for any student considering college. This publication is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/collprep.

Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid

This publication is a comprehensive resource that can be used at every stage of the student’s financial aid lifecycle. The guide describes the three major types of federal student aid available—grants, loans and work-study—and explains how to apply for them. The guide also includes information on sources of nonfederal aid. The guide is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide.

Do You Need Money for College? Federal Student Aid at a Glance

This fact sheet provides a quick glimpse outlining the federal student aid programs, eligibility criteria, and application tips. This fact sheet is available at www.studentaid.ed.gov/pubs.

Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt

This publication covers what types of federal student loans are available, how much to borrow, tips on repaying loans successfully, the difference between private and federal student loans, the consequences of default, and other hints on how to manage debt. This publication is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/repayingpub.

Direct Loan Basics for Students and Direct Loan Basics for Parents

These two publications, one targeted to student loan borrowers and the other directed to their parents, cover the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. They explain how Direct Loans help pay for college or career school expenses, the kinds of Direct Loans available, the eligibility requirements for borrowing, how to apply, and much more. For more information, visit the Direct Loan website at www.direct.ed.gov.

My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College—A Workbook for Students in Middle and Junior High Schools

This workbook provides information to middle and junior high school students about how to go to college and how to pay for it. It includes charts, checklists, and other activities to engage students as they gain more information about college preparation and costs. This publication is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/early.

Federal Student Aid Braille Bookmark

The Braille Bookmark contains the Federal Student Aid Web address, www.studentaid.ed.gov. Students can use this site to find information on applying for aid and locating information about their federal student loan history. The bookmark also contains our College.gov website, www.college.gov, where students can learn why they should go to college and how they can pay for it. Finally, the bookmark contains the toll-free FSAIC number: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Students can call that number if they have general questions about federal student aid or would like to order publications. TTY users can call 1-800-730-8913.