Information is provided on selected federal student assistance and categorical programs to provide quick reference for public policy deliberations of the independent sector of higher education. The emphasis is upon programs administered by the Office of Education. Four major sections are provided: federal student assistance for undergraduates and graduates; federal categorical programs for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and federal categorical programs for other departments and agencies. Each program is described and its funding history is provided, including the administration's recommended budget request for fiscal year 1980. For several programs, there is an analysis of the distribution of funding by sector, type of institution and control, and state. The information and data have been compiled from published documents from federal agencies, from unpublished records and data, and from interviews with agency personnel. (SW)