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Not all student loans are equal, and the order you borrow in matters. Federal beats private, and subsidized beats unsubsidized. Here's how the main types differ so you borrow the cheapest, safest money first.
The order you borrow in can save you thousands
Borrow in this order: grants and scholarships first (free money), then subsidized federal loans, then unsubsidized federal, then PLUS, and only private loans last. Filling out the FAFSA unlocks the federal options — and choosing the cheaper money first keeps your total repayment far lower.
Keep going: get the financial aid basics, read your aid offer, and build a college budget.