What is the difference between the Family Federal Education Loan Program (FFELP) and Direct Loans?
There are two different types of federal student loan providers. Direct Loans are issued by the federal government; FFELP loans are federally backed loans, but they are issued through a private bank. Both are mandated by federal guidelines in regards to interest rates and borrower rights. About 70% of colleges participate in FFELP, and some colleges participate in both programs.