Students can apply for a Direct Stafford Loan, a type of federal student loan, by following these steps: Complete the FAFSA : The first step in applying for a Direct Stafford Loan is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. You can fill out the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. Receive Financial Aid Offer : After you submit the FAFSA, your college or university will review your information and determine your eligibility for federal student aid. You will receive a financial aid offer from your school, which will detail the types and amounts of aid you are eligible to receive, including any Direct Stafford Loans. Accept the Loan : If you decide to accept a Direct Stafford Loan as part of your financial aid package, you will need to follow the instructions provided by your school to formally accept the loan. This may involve completing a loan accepta...