<p>Have you looked into your state awards? I know MS where we live awards a $2500 grant to students who attend in state college with an ACT of 29+ and a $500 grant to students who do not qualify for the Pell Grant. I know it’s not a lot, but it’s $3000. If my son ends up going in state it will certainly help! We are in the same boat here. I do not work and my husband makes $70Kish a year so we do not qualify either, but after bills we are strapped. It’s pay check to pay check in our home as well! That is why I keep pushing my son to study and get his ACT score up. So far he is at a 29, and Dec test will be his last shot to break into the 30’s which significantly will raise his award money. LA also has an in state award system called TOPS which actually awards much more than MS Rise Up program. So I know the state awards are out there. If you havent already, look into your state! Good luck! </p>