Low-rate student loans from the federal government.
Stafford loans are education loans that are offered by the government, so the interest rates on them are pretty low. There are two types of Stafford loans:
Subsidized Stafford Loans are a great way to go, because the federal government pays the interest on them while you're in school at least half-time. To get a Subsidized Stafford Loan, you have to prove financial need.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to students regardless of their need or income level. With these loans, you can either pay interest while you're in school, or hold off your interest payments until six months after graduation (or until you drop below half-time.)*
Federal student loans are offered exclusively by the Federal Direct Student Loan Program.
If federal loans, scholarships, and grants don’t cover all of your college expenses, consider a private student loan from SunTrust.
*Interest will accrue during deferment and be capitalized (added to the loan balance) at the end of the deferment period.