Funding Your Education.  A new, improved version of the U.S. Education Department's guide to all federal financial aid programs.  It explains in reader-friendly terms, how financial need is calculated.  You'll learn the difference between Stafford Loan, Direct Loan, Perkins Loan and PLUS Loan,  Free.  (Call department's information line:  800-433-3242)

A Guide to Borrowing for College.  Published by the Massachusetts Education Financing Authority with good advice for students everywhere.  Includes tips on how to choose a loan, translations of student-loan jargon.  Free (Call MEFA, 800-449-6332).

A Network of Educational Opportunities.  Comprehensive directory of college-admission Web sites and selected e-mail addresses of higher education organizations.  From the National Association for College Admission Counseling. $5.  Write: NACAC, 1631 Prince St., Alexandria, Va. 22314.