At a minimum, almost all students are eligible for loans without a federal interest subsidy but often with rates lower than commercially available loans.
Students can file electronically or on a paper application.
Students are also encouraged to talk to the financial aid directors at the schools they hope to attend to learn about financial aid packages and other sources of assistance. Electronic filing is faster, less error-prone. An estimated 12 to 14 percent of paper applications are returned for errors, adding time to the application process. Paper application shorter, easier. Reapplying for aid simplified.