Lenders - Please HELP!

So now this year ICO is not a lender for their stafford loans and when I called them for a list of lenders they told me since it's the first year they've had to do this, they don't have a list.

I've never had a loan before for anything so I'm kind of clueless here. ICO told me they go through a direct loan system which is through the government. I don't want to do that if there is a better option out there with incentives and such.

If anyone knows of a good lender can you please let me know. PM me if you want.

If anyone going to another school has a list of good lenders from their school can you post them for everyone? Thanks in advance.