Other definitions of the term currency are discussed in their respective synonymous articles banknote, coin, and money. The latter definition, pertaining to the currency systems of nations, is the topic of this article. Currencies can be classified into two monetary systems: fiat money and commodity money, depending on what guarantees the value (the economy at large vs. the government's physical metal reserves).
Federal aid offers Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The difference between these two loans is that subsidized loans are based on financial need and the interest does not accrue while the student is in college, as the interest is paid by the federal government.
Unsubsidized loans are a type of Direct Student Loan available to qualifying students. Unsubsidized means that the student borrower is responsible for the interest charged on the loan during the in-school and grace periods. A borrower may choose to pay the interest as it is charged each month or allow it to be added to the outstanding principal.