Federal Student Loans are financial aid options provided by the government to help students pay for their education. These loans typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans compared to private loans. They are available to undergraduate and graduate students, and eligibility is often determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are different types of Federal Student Loans, including Direct Subsidized Loans, which do not accrue interest while the student is in school, and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which do. Repayment usually begins after graduation, giving students time to find a job and establish their finances before starting to pay back their loans.