Financial Aid ( also posted on Financial Aid Board)

[Vollie]

I have been doing a lot of reading on Financial Aid. I am very confused.
Can someone please try to explain the following to me.

1. What is a Pell Grant?
2. What is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant?
3. What is the Direct Stafford Student Loan?
4. What is the subsidized FFEL
5. What is the Federal Perkins Loan

I understand how to apply for aid, but I am not sure what all these things are. Thank you so very much.

[momofthree]

Dear Vollie,

One of the best sites to answer your questions is www.finaid.org
It even provides a financial aid calculator so you can get a sense of the amount your family will be expected to contribute (EFC).