Getting zero financial aid

Advice/Help Needed

Hello! I started at a community college in California this semester, joined late cause it took a long time for my FAFSA to go through. I don’t live with my parents, completely support myself and now work a part time job so I can attend school (been working full time since I was in high school) and today I got my offer letter for the 26-27 school year and I’m getting nothing. I was supposed to get $8000 for 25-26 year but will get half because I joined late, and next year it’s zero. On top of that, will have to pay full tuition which is generally waived for residents of CA. I’m pretty stressed and heartbroken honestly and I don’t know what to do besides drop out. I’m in way too much debt already so no loans and I’ve already been trying to get a second job to pay for bills and living expenses. I messaged the financial aid department at my school and a counselor but I just don’t know what they can do about it. Any ideas or anything? My SAI last year was -1500 and now it’s over 5000, even though nothing has changed. Thank you.

Posted Apr 10, 2026, 12:51 AM UTC

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