The rising costs of college are becoming one of the more difficult obstacles for students interested in furthering their education after high school.

Not everyone can afford the expenses of college, but that’s where financial aid becomes helpful because there are hundreds of different kinds of financial aid available to assist them.

Financial aid consists of grants, loans, and work study and there are several ways a student can receive financial aid.

Grants are only available for students who qualify financially. For example, a student with parents bringing in a low annual income would have a higher chance of receiving a grant over a middle-class family bringing in a higher income.

Another way to earn financial aid is for the student to apply for a loan from their school. The school lends the money to the student, who in turn reimburses the school when they’re through with their education process.

Financial aid student loans offer two delivery systems. One delivery system allows students to receive loans from the federal government. When the student finishes the education process, they will reimburse the government. Other delivery systems let students receive loans from a bank, which will be reimbursed to the bank when the student is through with school.

Work study provides jobs for any undergraduate or graduate student who is in need of financial aid. Using work study, a student can receive at least federal minimum wage for working, depending on the job they receive.

Undergraduate students are paid by the hour, while graduate students can also receive a salary, depending on their job. Work study offers a variety of jobs ranging from community service jobs to jobs related to the students’ course of study.

Thousands of scholarships are also available for all kinds of situations and talents, ranging from sports to writing.

Two Web sites recommended by Admissions Academy counselor Katherine Chi include FAFSA.org and fastweb.com. Both are popular and helpful web sites containing valuable information on scholarships for students seeking financial aid.

Using the family’s income, the number of family members in a household, and the number of family members in college determines whether or not a family is eligible to receive financial aid. The amount of financial aid a family receives is based on how much is needed for the family to cover college expenses.

“Everyone should apply for financial aid .... It’s worth a try. There’s no cost to apply, just time to fill out the application,” said Barbara Hubler, director of student financial aid at SF State.

According to Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of the Web site finaid.org, about two-thirds of undergraduate students receive financial aid.

Kamahl Middleton uses financial aid to help get through some of the expenses of going to SF State.

"I’m 27 and I’m on my own," said Middleton. "I feel like it’s (financial aid) helping a lot. I’m here, so it’s obviously helping a lot.”

Norman Huang, 22, had a slightly different experience.

“I tried to apply, but my parents make too much money,” said Huang, who also attends SF State. After being turned away from receiving a grant, he settled for a loan.

Whether it’s a loan, a grant, or just a simple scholarship, financial aid can help many students obtain the education they desire without the immediate burden of worrying about their money disappearing from their bank accounts.