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ED Offices

Each of ED's 17 offices play a vital role in ensuring students of all ages receive the highest quality education possible.

Learn about each of ED's 17 offices and the sub-offices they house, and find information about how each office contributes to the work that ED does to improve educational outcomes for students of all ages.

ED's Office Structure

Use this easy to read page to see ED's operating structure and to find links to every office's homepage and overview.

See a list of ED's offices

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Department of Education Building
Federal Student Aid (FSA)

Manages programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 including financial aid for students attending higher education programs.

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

The nation's leading source for rigorous, independent education research, evaluation, and statistics.

Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

Provides the technological solutions that enable the Department of Education to deliver world-class service to schools, students, and their families.

Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)

Responsible for overall leadership for the Department in its communications and outreach activities including interactions with the media.

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

OCR’s mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights.

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE)

Administers and coordinates programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges.

Office of the Deputy Secretary (ODS)

Focuses on the development and implementation of policies, programs, and activities relating to elementary and secondary education matters.

Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA)

Provides national leadership to help ensure that English Learners and immigrant students attain English proficiency and achieve academic success.

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)

Empowers States, districts, and other organizations to meet the diverse needs of every student from kindergarten through grade 12.

Office of Finance and Operations (OFO)

Serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary and Senior Officials on all matters related to financial management and financial management systems.

Office of the General Counsel (OGC)

Provides legal assistance to the Secretary concerning the programs and policies of the Department of Education.

Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs (OLCA)

Acts as the liaison between the Department and Congress, coordinating all Department matters relevant to Congress.

Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)

Works to strengthen the capacity of colleges and universities to promote reform, innovation, and improvement in postsecondary education.

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD)

Advises the Secretary on all matters relating to policy development, implementation, and review.

Office of the Secretary (OS)

Responsible for the overall direction, supervision, and coordination of activities of the Department and is the principal adviser to the President.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

Supports programs that improve results and outcomes for people with disabilities.

Office of the Under Secretary (OUS)

Coordinates policies, programs, and activities related to postsecondary education, career and technical education, and adult education.

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Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)
Page Last Reviewed:
February 12, 2024