Financial Aid
FAFSA’s Student Aid Index: What It Means for Your Aid
Submitting a FAFSA starts a financial-aid calculation, not a promise to pay the college bill. Once the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed…
Department of Education
The Department of Education is the federal agency that oversees national education policy, federal student aid, and civil rights enforcement in schools. It administers laws on special education and student privacy, collects research on what works in schools, and supports programs that states and local districts carry out. Most decisions about schools are made by states and local districts.
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The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Latest in Department of Education
Department of Education
The Department of Education Restructuring: What Changed
The announcement made by the Trump administration on November 18, 2025, marked the most comprehensive functional restructuring of the U.S. Department of Education since the agency's…
Department of Education
How Trump is Working to Shrink the Department of Education
The Trump Administration has managed a comprehensive effort in 2025 to dramatically reduce the size and influence of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Established by…
Curriculum and Academic Standards
K-12 Education in America: How Curricula Differ Across States
The concept of a singular "American" public education system is a myth. The United States operates more than fifty distinct K-12 education systems, each governed by…
Topics in Department of Education
Offices and programs
Federal Student Aid handles grants and loans for college and career school, the Institute of Education Sciences produces research and statistics on education, and the Office for Civil Rights (Education) handles complaints of discrimination in schools.
All Articles on Department of Education
How All 50 States Approach Education Policy
The United States has no single national education system. Instead, 50 distinct state systems operate with different priorities, funding mechanisms, and success measures. This…
Federal Student Loans: A Guide to Borrowing Limits and Rules
The federal government sets limits on how much money students and parents can borrow for college. These borrowing caps shape how millions of Americans…
How to Contact the U.S. Secretary of Education
This guide provides a clear overview of the Secretary's role, the Department's mission, and a strategic framework for directing inquiries to the appropriate offices.
How to Contact the U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is a federal agency with the foundational mission "to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering…
Debating America’s School Funding: Sources, Amounts, and Priorities
See who funds public schools, why district resources differ, what federal programs pay for, and how evidence shapes the spending debate.
How Student Loan Wage Garnishment Works
For millions of Americans with federal student loans, falling behind on payments isn't just about damaged credit scores or collection calls. The U.S. government…
Navigating IDEA: Essential Resources for Service Providers
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a cornerstone of federal law ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need to…
Navigating IDEA: Essential Resources for Special Education Teachers
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the foundational federal law protecting the educational rights of children with disabilities across the United States.…
Understanding IDEA Part B: Ensuring Educational Access for Children with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a foundational piece of federal legislation in the United States, establishing the right of eligible children…
IDEA Part C: Free Early Intervention for Infants & Toddlers (Birth-2)
The early years of a child's life are critical for growth and development. For infants and toddlers facing developmental challenges, early support can make…