College students around the country are hard pressed to find the funds to pay for books, tuition, housing, food and (let's be honest) beer. And when the joy of finals and late-night partying are over, the debt accumulated due to college expenses remains. Many students use student loans to pay for those expenses. However, student loans differ from other types of debt and can be advantageous for students.

Federal loans are beneficial for students because they require no payments until your enrollment drops below half-time status or you graduate. At that point, you are given a six month grace period until you must begin repaying your loans. Federal loans can be either subsidized or unsubsidized.

Subsidized federal loans do not charge interest; the government pays the interest on those loans. Unsubsidized loans, on the other hand, accrue interest that must be repaid by the borrower. Financial need status determines whether you qualify for a subsidized or unsubsidized loan.

Private student loans are another type of loan available for college attendees. The primary advantage of a private student loan is the limit is, typically, much higher. Plus, restrictions on expenditures are much more liberal so students can use the funds to pay for almost any expense they may incur.

Student loans are a great way to help you pay for higher education. You may consider borrowing money to receive a degree a form of good debt because, in theory, your degree will enable you to more successful than you could be without it. However, if you accrue too much student debt, you will make your entry into the "real world" a painful transition. Borrowing what you need instead of an excessive amount will help you be debt free much sooner.