Because states have been cutting back on scholarships while hiking tuition, more students are having to borrow to fund college, notes U.S. News and World Report. Luckily, at least some federal student loans are getting cheaper, easier to get, and easier to repay. Easier application: While students will still have to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, starting July 1, students who want a federal Stafford loan need only ask their college. They no longer need–or have the opportunity–to shop for a bank to make a federally backed loan…