Texas student loans - navigating FAFSA vs. private lenders? Feeling lost...

I'm a sophomore at UT Austin, and I think I've officially hit the financial wall. My savings from my summer gig are drying up, and my tuition for next semester is looming like a storm cloud over the Gulf.

I've maxed out my federal subsidized loans, but it's still not enough. I’m now looking at unsubsidized federal loans or private lenders. Honestly, the jargon is making my head spin. I see ads for "low rates" for Texas students all the time, but I don't trust the fine print. Does anyone have experience with Texas-based credit unions for student loans? Or should I just stick with the federal options even with the higher interest?

I really don't want to end up like those horror stories where people are paying off loans until they're 50. Any advice from people who've been through this would be a lifesaver.

The flowchart is actually simple:

1. Max out federal subsidized (you did this )
2. THEN max out federal unsubsidized (do this next)
3. THEN look at College Access Loan (CAL) - it's Texas-specific, fixed 6.30% right now, and interest NEVER capitalizes
4. PRIVATE LOANS LAST. Like, absolutely last resort.

Federal loans have income-driven repayment, deferment options, even forgiveness possibilities. Private loans? None of that.