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FDLP Resource Guides
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U.S. Department of Education

Overview

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is under the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. It is one of fifteen executive departments. This guide provides an overview about ED, including its principal operating components, highlighted publications, and featured online information.

Photograph of "Students from the 2015 Graduating Class of Martin Luther King, Jr. College Preparatory High School"

Photograph, "Students from the 2015 Graduating Class of Martin Luther King, Jr. College Preparatory High School" (Image source: NAID: 138925744)

Quick Facts about ED

Seal of the U.S. Department of Education

Mission: "To promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access."

Established: 1979 (Public Law 96–88)

Secretary: Miguel Cardona

Strategic Plan: FY2022 to FY2026; see prior strategic plans

Operation: 4,400 employees with a $68 billion budget

Federal Civil Rights Laws: Resolving more than 16,000 cases in FY2023, ED enforces laws that prohibit discrimination in education for the more than 79 million individuals at institutions that receive Federal funds

Grants: ED provides more than $29 billion in grants each year to support state agencies, local schools districts, and non-profit organizations to improve educational outcomes for students.

Student Financial Aid: ED is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation, distributing more than $110 billion in grants and loans each year to help over 9 million students and their families pay for college.

ED Resources and Information

Resource Information
Main Website Visit the official website of ED.
Contact Us & General Inquiries

Reach out to ED or state education agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions See topics from adult literacy to teaching initiatives and resources.
College Scorecard Search and compare colleges, including admissions, costs, and fields of study.
Data & Statistics Explore fast facts, the college scoreboard, open-data platform, and more.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Learn about ESSA's "provisions that will help to ensure success for students and schools."
Grants Apply for discretionary, students loans or grants, or formula grants.
Laws & Guidance Delve into policy documents, legislation, guidance, and regulations related to education at local, state, and federal levels of government.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Research information on assessments and results, by subject, locations, and more.
Operating Structure View the organizational structure of ED.
Press Releases Read about the latest ED news and announcements.
Protecting Student Privacy Find out how ED protects student privacy.
Student Loans and Forgiveness Review information on applying for student loans and forgiveness options.
Additional Information Check out a brief overview about ED and its Federal role in education. 

National Library of Education (NLE)

Discover current education publications and historical collections dating back to 1870 at the NLE.

  • Contact NLE staff for expert reference assistance, including information on historic ED publications that are not available digitally.

Learn more about the FDLP Official Logo Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)
For questions or comments, contact the FDLP Resource Guides Team at @askGPO