There are two basic categories of loans available: government loans and private loans. In general, the government loans for students (also called Stafford Loans) should be your first stop. Parents should consider government loans for parents (also called PLUS Loans). Occasionally, private loans can be competitive with the government programs. Log on to the LoanFinder to compare your options. Ask your financial aid administrator if your school is a "Direct Lending" school -- If so, you can get government loans directly without a third party lender.
Private or "alternative" loans require NO GOVERNMENT FORMS and can be a great solution if after receiving your government loans and grants, you still find a gap between your available funds and your costs.
Once you've finished going to school, consolidation loans can help lower your payment amount and combine multiple payments into one, easy to make payment.