This Insight describes federal online resources intended to help students and parents plan and acquire funds for postsecondary education. These include federal resources that provide general information on scholarships, grants, fellowships, loans, and internships for undergraduate and graduate students; federal student aid (FSA) programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED); and funding particular to specific education disciplines and categories of students. Some resources contain information on the repayment, forgiveness, and discharge of educational debt.
Since January 2025, President Trump has issued executive orders (E.O.s) that have addressed the use of federal funds in various areas. Several of these executive orders, aspects of which are subject to litigation, direct relevant agencies to pause certain grant-related and other funding activities and may affect the resources discussed in this Insight.
Some websites and programs referenced in this Insight may be undergoing changes or be inaccessible as agencies comply with recent executive orders. If you are unable to access a reference, please contact CRS.
General Resources
The following websites provide planning tools for pursuing postsecondary education, including financial aid information and information on planning for and developing skills for careers.
U.S. Department of Education
The Federal Student Aid portal helps students learn about how financial aid administered by ED works, the types of assistance, and how to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and establish an individual FSA account. The portal provides links to websites with information on how aid is calculated, tips for comparing school aid offers, and how to accept financial aid. Students also can learn about repaying loans, consolidating loans, applying for loan forgiveness programs, and avoiding default.
College Affordability and Transparency Center (CATC) provides a one-stop site of tools for parents and students to compare colleges and their tuition and fees, net prices, and costs.
The Knowledge Center portal provides guidance, resources, and information related to the administration and processing of financial aid programs for postsecondary students authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA). Title IV of the HEA authorizes funding through grants and loans to students. Although designed for financial aid administrators, the website includes detailed information on rules for federal student aid, including the Federal Student Aid Handbook.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Paying for College website provides information on making informed financial decisions about how to pay for college. It includes financial guides for understanding student loans and repayment options and for managing money while in college, such as choosing a bank account and the impact of financial aid disbursement on financial accounts.
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center provides an overview on tax credits, deductions, and savings plans to help taxpayers with their higher education expenses. The center also links to the IRS's Interactive Tax Assistant tool to help determine eligibility for educational credits or deductions.
U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop GetMyFuture provides a one-stop site of tools targeted to individuals aged 14 to 24 to help them explore careers, learn about and locate training or education programs, and conduct a job search.
Apprenticeship.gov provides career seekers, employers, and educators information on apprenticeship opportunities by type of industry, Department of Labor- and industry-recognized apprenticeship programs, and state tuition support initiatives.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Education and Training website provides an overview on avoiding educational scams by providing tips on choosing a college or vocational school, paying for school, avoiding fake degrees, and other scams. It includes information on how to report financial aid, scholarship, and student loan scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the individual's state attorney general.
Resources for Specific Purposes or Populations
The following resources, organized by federal agency, provide information on college and career planning for specialized educational disciplines (e.g., international studies, health) and categories of students (e.g., veterans, military personnel, and dependents).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Education & Training Opportunities serves as a portal to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' education and training opportunities for health professionals and students, including programs that support health care providers and researchers.
U.S. Department of State
Student Resources provides a portal to a broad range of State Department educational resources.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Administration's Education and Training Benefits website provides information on education benefits available to honorably discharged veterans and servicemembers (including reservists and National Guard members) and educational assistance for survivors and dependents.