Subsidized means it is need-based and therefore the govenment pays the interest while you are in school, during a six-month grace period after graduation or otherwise separating from school, and during authorized deferment. Unsubsidized is not need-based and therefore the government charges you interest starting from your first receipt of money.
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An unsubsidized loan has a higher interest rate than a subsidized loan and interest begins to accrue immediately.
Subsidized when possible. The government subsidizes the interest on subsidized loans.