The annual report gives background on the basics of the federal student financial aid programs, as well as shifts in recipients, funding levels, and award volume over time.

Contact: Allie Arcese
Director of Communications
(202) 785-6954
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C., AUGUST 7, 2023 — Congressional appropriators are deliberating on funding levels for critical federal student aid programs that serve as a financial lifeline for low-income students hoping to make their higher education dreams a reality. But over time, the decision to cut or flat-fund federal student aid programs has put those dreams even further out of reach for many.

The critical role played by these programs in promoting postsecondary access — and the need to reinvest in them —has never been more clear. Data in the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' (NASFAA) "National Student Aid Profile: Overview of 2023 Federal Programs," published today, provides a glimpse into shifts in the number of federal aid recipients, volume of awards, and more. 

Updated annually, the National Student Aid Profile serves as a resource lawmakers, congressional staffers, and members of the media can rely on to gain background on the basics of the federal student financial aid programs, how they have been funded over time, and how many students are reached each year. Several tables and figures in this year's edition of the report were impacted as a result of the COVID-related flexibilities. Under each affected table and figure, you will find a "COVID-19 note" with a brief explanation of the changes reflected.

In the National Student Aid Profile, you will find an overview of the following programs:

• The Federal Pell Grant Program
• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
• The Federal Work-Study Program
• The Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Programs
• The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program

For each program, in addition to a basic description, you will find the most up-to-date data and information on the following:

• Number of Recipients
• Total Volume of Awards
• Federal Funding Levels
• Distribution by Family Income

To set up an interview with a NASFAA spokesperson to discuss the Title IV programs, budget, appropriations, or anything contained in the National Student Aid Profile: Overview of 2023 Federal Programs, please email NASFAA Director of Communications Allie Arcese.

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About NASFAA 

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at approximately 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA member institutions serve nine out of every 10 undergraduates in the U.S. Based in Washington, D.C., NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators.