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Isaiah
Student
Ontario
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How can I pay for college If I don't qualify for Financial Aid?
Im a dual enrollment student getting my associates degree in studio art for transfer by the time I graduate from high school. The whole thing is covered by my district so I don't have to pay a dime, but I want to change my major to Graphic design and get my BFA in that concentration. Since half of my bachelors is already paid for, Im trying to figure out a way to pay for the rest and to pay for my masters in business administration. Any tips? Do they offer tuition assistance for those who took high school and college at the same time?
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1 answer
Joshua Oboh
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Joshua’s Answer
Don’t rely only on “financial aid”
Not qualifying for financial aid does not mean no help exists. That’s a common mistake.
Situations like this, one should look into: merit-based scholarships (based on grades, talent, or portfolio not income)
Art/design scholarships specifically for graphic design students
Private scholarships (companies, organizations, competitions)
Since you’re going into graphic design, your portfolio can literally pay for school. That’s a big advantage.
Secondly. Use your skill (Graphic Design) to fund school
This is the smartest move most people ignore.
You can start: freelancing (logos, flyers, album covers) designing for small businesses. Selling templates (Canva, social media kits)
Even as a student, this can realistically cover: books, part of tuition and living expenses.
If you take it seriously, it can grow into a full income stream before graduation.
Thirdly: consider cheaper transfer options. Since half the degree is done:
Transfer to a public university (cheaper than private)
Look for schools with in-state tuition benefits
Some schools give transfer scholarships automatically.
Fourthly: Work plus school (but do it smart) Instead of random jobs, you should aim for: Campus jobs (often flexible)
Internships in design (builds experience plus pays)
Remote freelance work (best option for flexibility)
Fift. About the MBA plan
This is important:
Jumping straight into a Master’s (MBA) right after undergrad is not always the best move financially.
Better strategy: Finish the BFA first. Work for 1–3 years and then let a company sponsor or support the MBA.
Many companies actually pay for employees’ MBAs.
Number six: Payment plans & tuition assistance…
Yes, schools often offer: Monthly payment plans (instead of one big fee). Department scholarships (especially in arts programs) and grants for transfer students
You should contact the school’s admissions office, financial office and art/design department directly.
That’s where hidden opportunities usually are.
Real talk (important) you’re even already ahead of most people, half a degree done for free is a big win.
The main shift you need is this: Stop thinking only in terms of “who will pay for my school” Start thinking “how can I use my skill to fund my future.”
If this helps, let me know. Thank you.
Not qualifying for financial aid does not mean no help exists. That’s a common mistake.
Situations like this, one should look into: merit-based scholarships (based on grades, talent, or portfolio not income)
Art/design scholarships specifically for graphic design students
Private scholarships (companies, organizations, competitions)
Since you’re going into graphic design, your portfolio can literally pay for school. That’s a big advantage.
Secondly. Use your skill (Graphic Design) to fund school
This is the smartest move most people ignore.
You can start: freelancing (logos, flyers, album covers) designing for small businesses. Selling templates (Canva, social media kits)
Even as a student, this can realistically cover: books, part of tuition and living expenses.
If you take it seriously, it can grow into a full income stream before graduation.
Thirdly: consider cheaper transfer options. Since half the degree is done:
Transfer to a public university (cheaper than private)
Look for schools with in-state tuition benefits
Some schools give transfer scholarships automatically.
Fourthly: Work plus school (but do it smart) Instead of random jobs, you should aim for: Campus jobs (often flexible)
Internships in design (builds experience plus pays)
Remote freelance work (best option for flexibility)
Fift. About the MBA plan
This is important:
Jumping straight into a Master’s (MBA) right after undergrad is not always the best move financially.
Better strategy: Finish the BFA first. Work for 1–3 years and then let a company sponsor or support the MBA.
Many companies actually pay for employees’ MBAs.
Number six: Payment plans & tuition assistance…
Yes, schools often offer: Monthly payment plans (instead of one big fee). Department scholarships (especially in arts programs) and grants for transfer students
You should contact the school’s admissions office, financial office and art/design department directly.
That’s where hidden opportunities usually are.
Real talk (important) you’re even already ahead of most people, half a degree done for free is a big win.
The main shift you need is this: Stop thinking only in terms of “who will pay for my school” Start thinking “how can I use my skill to fund my future.”
If this helps, let me know. Thank you.
Thanks so much! I have a lot of options I didn't even know existed. Thank you for everything and I will reach out to the finance department ASAP. Thanks again!
Isaiah