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Thousands of students in Arkansas, especially those from Latino families, face uncertainty each year about whether they can attend college due to financial barriers. One key resource is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which provides access to grants, loans, scholarships and work-study programs.
Leonardo Nuno, a sophomore from Tijuana studying computer engineering at the University of Arkansas, shared how FAFSA helped him overcome financial obstacles and pursue higher education, highlighting the unique challenges Latino students face in navigating the system.
Nuno first heard about the FAFSA process at a senior meeting at his high school.
“The first time I heard about it was at that meeting, where they explained how you could finance your education,” he said.
Completing the application was not simple. Nuno faced several obstacles, particularly related to family documentation.
“It wasn’t easy. There were a lot of setbacks if you didn’t do certain things,” he said.
One of the most challenging steps was processing his FAFSA letter because he and his mother had to complete multiple forms. Sending the letter took between three days and a week to receive notification.
During the process, Nuno received help from his partner, who guided him through the steps and reviewed the information. His advice for other students is clear: “Do it well in advance. Don’t leave things for the last minute.”
After completing FAFSA, Nuno received a federal loan and the Pell Grant, which allowed him to attend college full-time.
“Thanks to these loans, I can study; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to attend full-time,” he said.
The financial support significantly changed his educational opportunities, allowing him to focus on his studies.
Nuno also believes the system could be more fair and flexible. He noted that at the University of Arkansas, loan amounts do not adjust based on the number of classes a student takes or the program they are enrolled in. “Some courses are more expensive than others, and sometimes you need more credits. However, the amount you receive is the same, regardless of your course load or degree,” he said.
The experience taught Nuno several important lessons.
“Don’t leave things for the last minute. Get informed, consult your advisor, and look for scholarships before accumulating interest on loans. Don’t just accept loans; try to pay tuition with scholarships if you can,” he advised.
He emphasized the importance of early financial education and exploring all available resources, which is especially important for students from communities with limited access to guidance.
According to Bankrate, an estimated 43% of the class of 2024 completed a FAFSA application. In 2022–2023, half of bachelor’s degree recipients graduated with debt, with an average of $29,300 per student, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Nuno’s experience underscores how crucial early financial planning, having proper guidance and proactively seeking resources are challenges that affect many students in Arkansas, especially those from Latino communities.
“If you can, just use Pell Grant and try to get scholarships; loans accumulate interest, and in the end, you end up owing much more than you think,” he said.