By Shiane D. Jacocks |Staff Writer|
Debt increases stress.
Some students at CSUSB wish they did not have to pay back loans, but knowing that they do make students feel under pressure.
I have found that financial aid at CSUSB may be increasing anxiety for students.
I have financial aid and I, personally, believe that in the back of my mind, I am worrying about all the money I am spending for my tuition. Having little knowledge about debt and its consequences only increases my anxiety.
“I’m not that familiar about the process. I only know the general types like grants, loans, and work-study, but I never really thought about it,” said student Steven Merrill.
Students need to be aware of the financial aid process and other options available to help pay for their future.
Some students are also unaware of programs and non-profit organizations that provide money to pay for colleges, even though this information can be attained at the Financial Aid office.
However, there are some students who might argue that financial aid decreases anxiety for them.
“I am very much aware of financial aid and I feel if it wasn’t for it, I wouldn’t be going to school,” said student Linda Aguilera.
Merrill also said that if he had financial aid, he believes that it would be very beneficial toward his tuition.
Every quarter, CSUSB offers scholarships for students.
However, students reported they were either unaware of scholarships or they hadn’t even applied yet.
“The worry at the moment is not present, but I know grants won’t cover it all. When I get older I’ll have to worry and I’m not looking forward to that,” said student and Sal Aguilar.
CSUSB is one of the universities with the highest debt in all of the state schools.
The official financial aid website states that students should increase their knowledge, become more familiar, and investigate other forms of financial aid.
Financial aid provides grants, which you do not have to pay back; loans that you pay back after you have finished school, and work-study, which is money that one student earns.
The Financial aid website also states that they provide enough to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing and transportation. Those expenses are not the only things that students have to worry about.
Finaid.csusb.edu explains the different types of financial aid, eligibility for determination, and provides tools such as the online application.
Many students reported that financial aid is beneficial, but the idea of paying back money is difficult to imagine.
Some students manage two or even three jobs while attending school to keep off or lessen the debt.
A scholarship, also called the California Middle Class Scholarship is offered for Undergraduate students this year through 2015.
Information about this scholarship can be viewed on the CSUSB website.
Further financial aid information can be found on students’ MyCoyote.
Leave a Reply