US Federal Loans, Unsubsidised much better

I'm taking out a loan for some of my educational costs this year.  Here are some points made on the US Department of Education website:

Summary PDF:
https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/images/DL_PLUS_BRR.pdf

Taken From:
https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/entranceCounseling.action?execution=e1s4

Current Graduate Student Rate:  
Direct Subsidized Loans made to graduate or professional students have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%.

The Direct Loan Program offers the following types of loans:

Direct Subsidized Loans:
Current rate of 6.8%

• For students with financial need.
• You must be enrolled at least half time.
• No interest is charged while you are in school at least half time, during your grace period, and during deferment periods.
• You do not have to make payments while you are attending school at least half time and during your grace period.
• You will receive a six month grace period after you drop below half time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

• Not based on financial need.
• You must be enrolled at least half time.
• Interest is charged during all periods.
• You do not have to make payments while you are attending school at least half time and during your grace period, but interest will continue to be charged.
• You will receive a six month grace period after you drop below half time.

Direct PLUS Loans:
Current Rate of 7.9%

• Unsubsidized loans for graduate or professional students (and for parents of dependent undergraduate students).
• You must be enrolled at least half time.
• You can borrow up to the school's cost of attendance, less all other financial assistance you receive.
• Interest is charged during all periods.
• Direct PLUS Loans do not have a grace period. The repayment begins as soon as the loan is fully disbursed, but you may defer repayment while you are enrolled at least half time and for an additional six months after you drop below half time.
• To qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan, you must not have an adverse credit history. A credit check will be conducted.
• If you have an adverse credit history, you may still qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan if you obtain an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history, or if you document to our satisfaction that there are extenuating circumstances related to your adverse credit history. (An endorser is someone who agrees to repay a Direct PLUS Loan if you do not repay the loan.)

Direct Consolidation Loans:

• Eligible federal student loans can be combined into one Direct Consolidation Loan.

Your school will tell you how much you may borrow and the types of loans you are eligible to receive.