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What is advice for first generation students who are in need of financial aid but family's income is more than the required amount to receive actual financial aid?
I am a 12th grader, attending Sacramento State University in the Fall of 2026. I am a proud First Gen Latina Student and want to figure out ways to help my parents pay for college!
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Albertina’s Answer
I'm a first gen Latina and echoing what Geneva mentions. A possible practical option is to start at a community college and then transfer to California State University, Sacramento.
It’s not the most glamorous path, but it can cut costs significantly (sometimes up to 80%), which reduces how much you and your parents have to pay and limits the need for student loans.
Bottom line: if financial aid is limited, the smartest move is often lowering the total cost—not just trying to find more money. Super proud of your for thinking about the financial responsibility. You're already a step ahead of many!
It’s not the most glamorous path, but it can cut costs significantly (sometimes up to 80%), which reduces how much you and your parents have to pay and limits the need for student loans.
Bottom line: if financial aid is limited, the smartest move is often lowering the total cost—not just trying to find more money. Super proud of your for thinking about the financial responsibility. You're already a step ahead of many!
Updated
Geneva’s Answer
Hi Emma-I am NOT a financial guru so I don’t have much advice to offer. But here goes. It sounds like you have already enrolled in a school. But have you considered attending an accredited community college for the first two years? You could get your prerequisites out of the way for a fraction of the cost of a four year university. Also, you could inquire about a work-study program, where you work on campus in exchange for housing; for example. Lastly, there are many scholarships out there. Look for minority scholarships in particular as you search and apply. Good luck!