College life comes with its fair share of expenses, and understanding financial aid is crucial. In Fresno, California, students at Fresno State are navigating this terrain in unique ways.

Unraveling the Financial Aid Maze at Fresno State

Expenses in College: A Growing Concern

Whether it's a community college or an Ivy League institution, expenses tend to pile up. At Fresno State, for instance, a parking pass can cost a few hundred dollars, and textbooks can add another few hundred to the total. This financial burden can be quite stressful for students.Just like Jonathan Pineda, a senior at Fresno State, who vividly shares the reality of college life and its associated costs. His experiences highlight the importance of being aware of these expenses from the start.

Financial Aid Options: A Lifeline for Students

Fresno State students like Jonathan and Evelyn Lozano are finding ways to make ends meet. They both receive financial aid, including work-study. Evelyn loves her work-study job as it allows her to meet peers with similar interests and people from different backgrounds.There are various types of financial aid available to CSU students, such as grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. A grant is truly free money that students don't have to repay, while a loan is money that needs to be repaid. Student loans usually have a lower interest rate compared to personal loans from banks.Susana Figuera-Joya, the Central Valley Cal-SOAP Program Director, explains these options clearly. She also mentions that students have a grace period of up to six months after leaving the institution before they have to start repaying their loans.

Scholarships: Uncovering Hidden Cash Opportunities

Jonathan qualified for the Middle-Class Scholarship, which is designed for undergraduate students with family incomes and assets up to $234,000. As he says, "Getting something is better than nothing. It helps pay off expenses throughout the semester, especially for full-time working and studying students."Evelyn, who is studying forensic behavioral science and hopes to work with the FBI, emphasizes the importance of going online and using platforms like Google and TikTok to find scholarships. She advises everyone to just go for it and explore the available opportunities.

Jobs on Campus: More Than Just a Source of Income

Having a job not only helps Jonathan pay his expenses but also helps him build connections on campus. As he mentions, "We're always out in public and do tours for the campus." These connections can be valuable for students' overall college experience.In conclusion, Fresno State students are facing the challenges of college expenses and financial aid with determination. By understanding their options and taking advantage of available resources, they are making the most of their college years.