Also, don't forget the Perkins loans. They are especially attractive now that the Staffords are fixed at 6.8% interest. The Perkins loan is fixed at 5% interest, is subsidized while in school, and has a 9 month grace period (as opposed to 6 for the Stafford). If you qualify (based on financial need), you can get up to $6,000 a year through the Perkins program. The Perkins loans are distributed through your school, so you have to fill out an institutional application form through the school. You also must include your parent's info on the FAFSA.