College student loans are a form of loans that are acquired and used for purposes of college education. In general, student loans are made to be lower in interest whilst higher in length, due to the fact that students cannot usually earn an income during school. Since student loans are considered a form of financial aid, federal college student loans are provided based on qualifications shown in the FAFSA. The two main federal college student loans are the Perkins and Stafford, which are awarded directly to the student. PLUS loans are also federal, but awarded to the parent for the student's costs. Private student loans, which aren't sponsored by the government, will involve a bank or other agency that provides access to these funds through a loan. Whereas federal loans are need-based, private loans are based on credit, which may require that the student has a cosigner in either their parent or other worthy adult.