Federal Student Aid’s core mission is to ensure that all eligible individuals benefit from federal financial assistance—grants, workstudy, and loans—for education beyond high school. The programs we administer comprise the nation’s largest source of student aid. Every year, we provide more than $80 billion in aid to nearly 14 million postsecondary students and their families. Our staff of 1,100 is based in 10 cities in addition to our Washington headquarters.

You have many postsecondary education options from which to choose. Whether you decide to attend a four year college or university, community college or technical school, the knowledge you gain will be of value to you for the rest of your life, no matter where you go or what you do.

A postsecondary education gives you more opportunities. Those who receive education credentials beyond a high school diploma have more jobs options and earn much more than those who do not pursue an education beyond high school. For example, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person with a bachelor’s degree earns almost double what someone with only a high school diploma earns.

Pursuing education beyond high school is an opportunity you should not deny yourself simply because you are not sure it’s for you. Many students don’t know what career path to follow. But exposure to different academic subjects, people and points of view helps you decide what career is for you. After high school, you get to study what you are interested in and, when you graduate, you will get paid for your knowledge.

So go for it, and let us help you make it happen.