
{"id":2629,"date":"2025-04-28T22:01:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T06:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/?p=2629"},"modified":"2026-08-31T17:52:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T01:52:44","slug":"types-student-loans-explained-subsidized-unsubsidized-plus-private-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/types-student-loans-explained-subsidized-unsubsidized-plus-private-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Different Types of Student Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, Private)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After exploring grants and scholarships, many students still need help covering college costs. Student loans are a common way to bridge the gap, but borrowing money is a serious decision. Understanding the different <strong>types of student loans<\/strong> available \u2013 federal subsidized, unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, and private loans \u2013 is crucial for making smart borrowing choices that minimize future debt. Let&#8217;s break down the main options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide horizontal-cta-main has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-382c5ae68eccc3b370b17df1d2ae9d9a\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(144deg,rgb(0,148,211) 0%,rgb(20,112,151) 100%);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group horizontal-cta-content is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduce the Amount You Need to Borrow<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before taking on student loans, explore scholarships that can help cover college expenses without adding to future debt.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons horizontal-cta-1 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background-color:#edae39\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><strong>Find Scholarships<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Find Scholarships That Fit You<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a4212\">Discover free money for college and start reducing what you&#8217;ll owe.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Find Scholarships<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loans: A Tool to Bridge the Gap (Use Carefully!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike grants or scholarships, loans are borrowed money that <em>must<\/em> be repaid, usually with interest. While they make college accessible for many, borrowing more than necessary can lead to financial stress after graduation. Always explore free money (grants\/scholarships) first and borrow only what you absolutely need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf93 Want to strengthen your college and scholarship applications? Build your student profile on <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In<\/a> and stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0080_4_a-clean-and-simple-banner-advertisement-_tGrGj_rmR8Wh43iuHOAxFg_UYR-DhPcSe2bA2zKm1pfYQ.png\" alt=\"Types of Student Loans Explained: Borrowing Wisely\" class=\"wp-image-3029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0080_4_a-clean-and-simple-banner-advertisement-_tGrGj_rmR8Wh43iuHOAxFg_UYR-DhPcSe2bA2zKm1pfYQ.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0080_4_a-clean-and-simple-banner-advertisement-_tGrGj_rmR8Wh43iuHOAxFg_UYR-DhPcSe2bA2zKm1pfYQ-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0080_4_a-clean-and-simple-banner-advertisement-_tGrGj_rmR8Wh43iuHOAxFg_UYR-DhPcSe2bA2zKm1pfYQ-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0080_4_a-clean-and-simple-banner-advertisement-_tGrGj_rmR8Wh43iuHOAxFg_UYR-DhPcSe2bA2zKm1pfYQ-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Federal Direct Subsidized Loans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are often the best type of loan for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Source:<\/strong> U.S. Department of Education (<strong>federal student aid loans<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility:<\/strong> Available only to undergraduate students who show financial need based on their FAFSA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interest:<\/strong> The key benefit: The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are enrolled in school at least half-time, during the six-month grace period after you leave school, and during periods of deferment. You start paying interest only after your grace period ends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrowing Limits:<\/strong> Annual and aggregate limits apply, based on your year in school.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These federal loans are available to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/graduate-school-scholarships-planning-ahead\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">both undergraduate and graduate students<\/a>, <em>regardless<\/em> of financial need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Source:<\/strong> U.S. Department of Education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility:<\/strong> Not based on financial need. Most students filing a FAFSA are eligible up to certain limits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interest:<\/strong> This is the main difference from subsidized loans. Interest <em>starts accruing<\/em> on unsubsidized loans from the moment the loan is disbursed (paid out), even while you&#8217;re in school. You are responsible for paying all the accrued interest. You can pay it while in school or let it capitalize (add to the principal balance).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrowing Limits:<\/strong> Annual and aggregate limits apply (higher limits than subsidized loans).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized: The Key Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main <strong>subsidized vs unsubsidized loans<\/strong> difference lies in who pays the interest while you&#8217;re in school and during grace\/deferment periods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Subsidized:<\/strong> Government pays the interest during these periods (if you qualify based on need).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unsubsidized:<\/strong> <em>You<\/em> are responsible for the interest from day one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the interest subsidy, subsidized loans are generally more favorable if you qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#1E90C9;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Showcase Everything You&#8217;ve Achieved<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#e8f5fd\">Scholarship committees want the whole you \u2014 build a profile that shows your achievements, activities, and story.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Start My Profile<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide vertical-cta-main has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-2c8cf1131a3af2f1dbffe2b6438e2f79\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(144deg,rgb(0,148,211) 0%,rgb(20,112,151) 100%);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group vertical-cta-content is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find Free Money Before Taking a Loan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Scholarships don&#8217;t need to be repaid. Search verified opportunities that can help lower the amount you need to borrow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons horizontal-cta-1 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background-color:#edae39\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Search Scholarships<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These federal loans are available to <em>parents<\/em> of dependent undergraduate students (and also to graduate\/professional students themselves as Grad PLUS loans).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Source:<\/strong> U.S. Department of Education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility:<\/strong> Borrower (the parent) must not have an adverse credit history. Financial need is not required. The student must file a FAFSA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interest:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/won-scholarship-next-steps\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Interest accrues from disbursement<\/a>. Interest rates are typically higher than Direct Subsidized\/Unsubsidized loans. There&#8217;s also an origination fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrowing Limits:<\/strong> Parents can borrow up to the student&#8217;s Cost of Attendance minus any other financial aid received.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Responsibility:<\/strong> The parent borrower is solely responsible for repaying the Parent PLUS loan. It is not the student&#8217;s debt (unless later refinanced, which is uncommon).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Parent PLUS loan explained<\/strong> simply: it&#8217;s a loan parents take out for their child&#8217;s education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Student Loans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These loans come from banks, credit unions, or online lenders, not the federal government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Source:<\/strong> Private lenders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility:<\/strong> Based on the borrower&#8217;s (and often a cosigner&#8217;s) creditworthiness. Requires a credit check.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interest:<\/strong> Interest rates can be fixed or variable and vary widely based on credit score. Rates may be higher or lower than federal loans. Often require payments while the student is still in school.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrowing Limits:<\/strong> Vary by lender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Benefits:<\/strong> May offer competitive rates for borrowers with excellent credit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drawbacks:<\/strong> Generally offer fewer borrower protections, less flexible repayment options, and are harder to discharge in bankruptcy compared to federal loans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Private student loans<\/strong> should usually be considered only <em>after<\/em> exhausting all federal loan options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Pro tip:<\/strong> While researching loans, don\u2019t forget to boost your extracurricular r\u00e9sum\u00e9. <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In<\/a> helps you showcase everything colleges want to see beyond academics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Loans Should You Consider First?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, prioritize loans in this order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Federal Direct Subsidized Loans:<\/strong> Best option due to interest subsidy (if eligible).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans:<\/strong> Still offer federal protections and fixed rates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans:<\/strong> Can cover remaining costs, but rates are higher, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-decision-support-parent-emotions\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">debt is the parent&#8217;s<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Private Student Loans:<\/strong> Consider last, only if absolutely necessary. Shop around carefully for the best rates and terms.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thought: Understand Before You Borrow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the different <strong>types of student loans<\/strong> is the first step toward responsible borrowing. Know the difference between <strong>subsidized vs unsubsidized loans<\/strong>, understand the terms of Parent PLUS and <strong>private student loans<\/strong>, and always borrow only what you need. Research interest rates, fees, and repayment options carefully before signing any loan agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more tips on&nbsp;<strong>college applications<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>scholarships<\/strong>, or just how to survive this whole process?&nbsp;<strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>&nbsp;has your back\u2014check out&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In resources<\/a>&nbsp;to help you through every step of your college journey!<br>Check out&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>and start owning your future today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-5fcc7f5efd1fc4d626710a0887a1d223 is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(220,233,241) 0%,rgb(166,215,230) 100%);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group vertical-cta-content is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Borrow Less for Your College Education<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore scholarship opportunities matched to your profile and find ways to reduce your reliance on student loans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons horizontal-cta-1 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background-color:#2795d0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Explore Scholarships<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">$2,500 No-Sweat Scholarship<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a3a10\">Real students win our $2,500 scholarship every quarter \u2014 yours could be next.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#e7f1fb;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 24px;margin:30px 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#2b6f9c;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Keep Reading<\/div><div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 10px\">Related Articles<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/understanding-student-loans-student\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Student Loans 101: Borrow Smart, Avoid Debt Traps!<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/compare-financial-aid-offers\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span 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2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Grants vs. Scholarships: What&#8217;s the Difference and How to Get Both!<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/how-income-assets-affect-financial-aid-fafsa-css\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">How Parent &amp;amp; Student Income\/Assets Affect Financial Aid (FAFSA &amp;amp; CSS Profile Deep Dive)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#f1f4f7;border-radius:16px;padding:18px 24px;margin:0 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#6b7a8a;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Good to Know<\/div><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 8px\">Helpful Resources<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding:7px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#33475b;font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"13\" height=\"13\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#5a6b78\" stroke-width=\"2\" style=\"flex:0 0 13px\"><path d=\"M14 5h5v5M19 5l-8 8M11 5H6a1 1 0 0 0-1 1v12a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h12a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-5\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/understand-aid\/types\/loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding:7px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#33475b;font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"13\" height=\"13\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#5a6b78\" stroke-width=\"2\" style=\"flex:0 0 13px\"><path d=\"M14 5h5v5M19 5l-8 8M11 5H6a1 1 0 0 0-1 1v12a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h12a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-5\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Federal Student Loans<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/understand-aid\/types\/grants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding:7px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#33475b;font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"13\" height=\"13\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#5a6b78\" stroke-width=\"2\" style=\"flex:0 0 13px\"><path d=\"M14 5h5v5M19 5l-8 8M11 5H6a1 1 0 0 0-1 1v12a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h12a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-5\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Federal Grants<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/collegescorecard.ed.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding:7px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#33475b;font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"13\" height=\"13\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#5a6b78\" stroke-width=\"2\" style=\"flex:0 0 13px\"><path d=\"M14 5h5v5M19 5l-8 8M11 5H6a1 1 0 0 0-1 1v12a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h12a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-5\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">College Scorecard<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.ci-why-tiles{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:11px}.ci-why-tiles .ci-wide{grid-column:span 2}@media(max-width:600px){.ci-why-tiles{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}}<\/style><div class=\"ci-auto-footer\" style=\"border-radius:16px;padding:26px 26px 24px;margin:16px 0 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Find your dream college, gain real experience, and win scholarships, all at one hub.<\/p><div class=\"ci-why-tiles\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#2EA9E0;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg>Create My Portfolio<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#147097;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg>Research 7,000+ Colleges<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg>Find 6,500+ Scholarships<\/a><a class=\"ci-wide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/internship-and-jobs\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#1F5F8B;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><rect x=\"10.3\" y=\"2.4\" width=\"3.4\" height=\"2.2\" rx=\"1.1\"\/><rect x=\"5\" y=\"4.6\" width=\"14\" height=\"16.8\" rx=\"2.4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"7.4\" y=\"7.4\" width=\"9.2\" height=\"3.4\" rx=\"1\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"13\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"16\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"19\" width=\"5\" height=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>Explore 24,000+ Internships, Jobs &amp; Volunteering<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg>Win the $2,500 Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After exploring grants and scholarships, many students still need help covering college costs. Student loans are a common way to bridge the gap, but borrowing money is a serious decision. Understanding the different types of student loans available \u2013 federal subsidized, unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, and private loans \u2013 is crucial [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3029,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[2581,2582,2583,2584,2585,2576,2577,2578,2579,2580],"class_list":["post-2629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scholarships-and-financial-aid","tag-best-student-loan-choices","tag-comparing-student-loan-types","tag-which-student-loans-to-use-first","tag-student-loan-borrowing-guide","tag-how-to-choose-the-right-student-loan","tag-student-loan-types-explained","tag-federal-vs-private-student-loans","tag-subsidized-vs-unsubsidized-loans","tag-understanding-parent-plus-loans","tag-private-college-loan-options"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Understanding Different Types of Student Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, Private) - Cirkled In<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Confused by student loans? 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