Good afternoon MaineMan! I appreciate and understand your comment. I am amazed by your immense resolve and determination to obtain higher education. I am more than happy to suggest alternative sources of financial aid. Here is what you can do:

Scholarships: Scholarships are great way to earn extra funds for college. They are free and are avalaible year-round. I highly recommend that you check out the Grants/Scholarships page of this website for some good scholarships database resources.

Work-study: I understand that you are currently working 2 part-time jobs, however, I recommend that you inquire about on-campus work-study. Work-study can be used as a form of financial aid where you work on campus for a wage. Depending on your university, some universities have work-study programs that can help you cover a significant amount of your financial commitment.

Private loans: As a last resort, I recommend requesting a private loan. This can help you satisfy your financial commitment. While this source of financial aid requires you to pay back the loan amount plus interest, many private loans agencies offer different types of payment plans that can help best suit your financial situation.

I hope that information is helpful to you. Please continue to stay encouraged and strive for excellence. The Black community faces many adversaries today, especially in higher education, but this is nothing new. That being said, persist in your journey through higher education and fight the good fight.

— Onyx Gaston

Hello Gen. You are very welcome. I'm glad that I was able to assist you. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to comment in the forum.

Continue to "Dream Big and Reach Higher!"

— Onyx Gaston

Good morning Marshall. I am pleased to meet you. I appreciate your support for the AA DHE. If you have any issues concerning your financial aid or anything else education related, I am more than happy to assist you. Continue to stay tuned via email and social media for how you can help the AA DHE. And remember to keep dreaming big and reaching higher!

— Onyx Gaston

Good morning Queenie. I completely understand your situation. I am a first-year college student myself and know what it's like to be uncertain about your financial aid situation. That being said, I am more than happy to help you! Here is what you can do:

Work-study- An extra form of financial assistance that can help you cover additional expenses is work-study. Work-study is a form of financial aid where students work on campus and receive a hourly wage to pay for college expenses and/or accumulate extra money. After looking at UC Santa Barbara's website, there is a work-study program that you can inquire about. Anyone is allowed to apply for a work-study position as long as their FAFSA shows that they have sufficient financial need.

Scholarships- There are many scholarships that are readily available to you. They are usually available year-round and are privately funded (not government funded). They can help lessen your financial contribution and/or provide you with left over funds that you can put towards other expenses.

Paid Internships- During the summer, you can apply for paid internships. These internships provide you with work experience in your preferred field and extra funds for college.

Loans- As a last resort, you should apply for a loan. Loans can help cover the remainder of your expenses if the above options do not work out for you. The easiest loans to get are the federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Your FAFSA results will tell you if you are eligible for these funds. Also, there are private student loans (not government funded) that you can use. These are given by credit unions and banks.

I hope this information will help you prosper financially during college. I know there is a lot of uncertainty with college financial aid but continue to stay encouraged. Remember that the AADHE is here to help you. With the above financial aid resources, your financial stress will be reduced.

— Onyx Gaston