Are you applying to colleges? If it’s time to start writing essays and sending in applications, it’s also time to start looking at how you’re going to fund your college career. Whether or not you qualify for any federal grants, you will likely be eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford loans.

The federal government allocates as much money as possible each year to help students pay for their college tuition. Unfortunately, with the rising price of education, you cannot always expect your federal loans to cover all of your expenses.

What are federal student loans? How do they differ from grants or private loans? Do you qualify for assistance? First of all, as you start to navigate the world of financial aid, you should know that all federal student loans and grants are awarded based on financial need.