The longer a federal shutdown lasts, the harder it will be for local school districts, universities and the federal Education Department to provide services.

In the short term, most in the education sector will be fine because much of the funding dedicated over the summer and through Oct. 1 has gone through, creating a buffer for the worst of the effects of the shutdown.

But the longer it takes for lawmakers to reach a deal on health care and other issues, the worse it could get.

Here's a look at how the shutdown will affect the Education Department, student loan borrowers and other parts of the world of education.

Education Department

The Education Department has immediately furloughed 95 percent of its employees, excluding those with the Federal Student Aid Office.

In its contingency plan, the department said in the first week services such as student aid disbursement and funding for Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will continue.

Services........

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