How is a federal loan different from a private loan for an education? a federal loan is available for any student who meets the government’s lending standards. a private loan is only available for students who show a need. a federal loan is only available for students who show a need. a private loan is available for any student who meets the bank’s lending standards. a federal loan can only be used to pay for a student’s tuition. a private loan can be used to pay for a student’s tuition and any other expenses. a federal loan can be used to pay for a student’s tuition and any other expenses. a private loan can only be used to pay for a student’s tuition.