Federal Stafford Loans are student loans by the government specifically the department of education. They offer low interest rates student loans for anyone applying to study in a US college or university.



There are also stafford student loans offered by the private banks and financial institutions. However, these stafford loans are offered through the federal family education program. So in a sense, the funds from the student loans are

Still from the government. They usually offer lower interest rates than federal stafford loans.

Some colleges and universities also have their own student loan programs. These schools are under the federal direct loan program. The government will disburse the funding directly to the school and then to you.

One disadvantages of choosing a school's student loan program is that you do not have the choice of comparing different lenders and then picking which stafford student loan offer to take.

The interest rates and student loan amounts will differ from school to school so you may want to check with them before deciding.

There are also 2 types of federal stafford loans : unsubsidized and subsidized federal stafford loans.

As the name implies, unsubsidized federal stafford loan are given without the basis of their financial capacity. The interest rates will start once you start college or university. You are allowed to accumulate your interest and it will be added to the principal student loan.

On the other hand, subsidized federal stafford loans are given on the basis of their financial capacity. The student will not be charged interest rates while still schooling. The interest rates will be paid by the government. Not everyone qualifies for subsidized federal stafford loans. You may need to check with your school for the requirements.