Many students work full time, at least part of the year, and still do not have enough money to pay for college. This is especially true for non traditional students who return to college a number of years after high school graduation. In fact it is not uncommon to see older college students, in their 30s to retirement age who are pursuing a first time degree. Many of these students have children to support, or at least did not have ample savings for college. So they find themselves working full time while taking college classes.

All college students should complete the FAFSA, as this is the one form that will qualify them for government grants and loans. Even if students work full time and are unsure if they will qualify for aid, students should still complete the form. Information about this application can be obtained from the colleges financial aid office or online.

The federal and state governments use the FAFSA to determine if students qualify for aid from the government. When students receive the report back they are notified if they will receive state or federal grants. Of course grants are the best option because they are gifts that do not have to be repaid. However students who work full time may have income amounts that are too high to qualify for grants.

Many students at even what some would consider high income levels will still qualify for government backed student loans. Stafford loans in subsidized and unsubsidized options may be available. These loans have a low interest rate that is determined by the federal government. Repayment on these types of loans begins six months after the student graduates from college. So these loans can be a great assistance for many students, even those who work.

Working students would be wise to only take out enough loans to bridge the gap between what they earn and what is needed for school. The type and amount of loan that a student qualifies for can be quite different from what a student should accept. For example, a student may qualify for a $8000 Stafford loan, but only really need $2000 to make up the difference in tuition costs for that year. Students may be tempted to take out the entire amount to use for other expenses. However all of this money must be repaid after graduation and students may find the monthly loan payment difficult to make if they have taken out too many loans during their college career.

College scholarships may be available even for working students. There are many scholarship programs that are specific to a degree or department. Students should ask in the departmental office of their major about such options.

When students investigate all of their financial aid options including grants, loans and scholarships, even students working full time can gain assistance to pay for educational expenses.

Michael Carter is a contributor at http://collegefinancialaidguide.com an online informational resource about educational funding, scholarships and student loans. Find out more about college financial aid information and how to earn money for college.