Final answer:
To apply for a Direct Stafford Loan, students need to complete the FAFSA. This federal student aid form collects information about a student's financial situation, which is used by colleges to determine loan eligibility. Stafford Loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Step-by-step explanation:
To apply for a Direct Stafford Loan, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a form that collects information about the student's financial situation to determine their eligibility for federal student aid, including student loans.
Once the FAFSA is submitted, the information is used by the student's college or university to determine the amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive, including Direct Stafford Loans. The school's financial aid office will then notify the student of the loan amount they can borrow.
It's important to note that Direct Stafford Loans are federal student loans, meaning they are provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Students apply for these loans through the FAFSA, not through a state government or a private bank.
Learn more about applying for a Direct Stafford Loan