Other than interest, are there any fees or charges required to get these loans?

Yes, for Direct Stafford Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2007 and before July 1, 2008, the loan fee (also called origination fee) is 2.5% with a rebate of 1% for a total of 1.5%.  For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008 and before July 1, 2009, the loan fee is 2.0% with a rebate of 1.0% for a total of 1.0%.

For Direct Plus Loans, the loan fee is 4.0% with a rebate of 1.5% for a total of 2.5%.