I don't understand why Americans even take out student loans considering the insane amount of grants and scholarships available to the general public. I just finished my bachelor's degree and I never took out a single loan. In fact, I was paid to go since the grants/scholarships I had exceeded my need. And anything that was left went straight to my bank account. I didn't have to work during my time in Uni and I wasn't living with my parents. Anyone that says they need student loans is clearly retarded and deserves the debt they accumulate.
Literally, just go to your Uni's student financial services and ask for help if you're too retarded. They're literally there to give you free money, just take it.