The federal direct student loans have some nice features that are worth considering. Once you reach the limits for these loans then the decision is a lot more difficult. There are pros and cons for all loans. The devil is in the details. If the OP needs help in this area, I would suggest posting on the financial aid board.
Any decision made by the OP needs to factor in what loans have been taken out and how they will be repaid. At this stage, I think the OP has gotten the advice he was looking.