Federal loans
If you have not taken out loans as an undergraduate, be sure to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on time. On the same site, you will find guidelines for determining FAFSA timing and deadlines, and information about federal Direct (i.e., Stafford) and Direct PLUS loans. There are different kinds of student loans, so be sure to compare federal student loans before signing (federal loans are available for eligible students enrolled in at least 6 credits).