Federal student loans are loans provided by the government to help students pay for their education. These loans typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans. They are available to undergraduate and graduate students, and eligibility is often determined by financial need. There are different types of federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Subsidized Loans are based on financial need, and the government pays the interest while the student is in school. In contrast, Unsubsidized Loans accrue interest from the time they are disbursed, regardless of the student's enrollment status.