Subsidized Stafford Loans do not incur any interest to the student while he is attending school. Such loans are offered to those who exhibit the most financial need.
Any student who is a U.S. citizen and not a convicted drug felon can take out unsubsidized Stafford Loans, which are not based on financial need. Such loans do incur interest while the student is in school.
The federal government also offers PLUS loans, which parents can sign up for to help pay for their child's education. However, good credit and provable income are required for these loans.
Once the student leaves or graduates school, the government also offers loan consolidation of both federal and private student loans. This rolls all debts into one payment and sometimes lowers payments and interest.
Applying for any student loan starts with filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FAFSA (see Resources below).