Students today face a dizzying array of costs and financing options when it comes to paying for higher education. Making the wrong decision could leave future graduates with a lifetime of debt. That’s why understanding the costs of enrollment and how best to manage those costs is one of the most important aspects of signing up.

Helping students make the best choices has been a lifelong passion for Diana Carrillo, Director of Financial Aid at the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA). For the past six years, she has assisted prospective students with understanding and selecting a payment option for their education.

Diana was gracious enough to share her thoughts on UWLA and its commitment to supporting students at every phase of the educational process, including enrollment.

Q. As Director of Financial Aid, what is the first thing you do when meeting with a student interested in enrolling at UWLA? 

Diana: In the Financial Aid office, our process begins by disclosing tuition and fees for the program, so students can understand what the next semester will cost them. Once we establish that cost, our next step is to help students decide if a payment plan or Federal Financial Aid works best for them. Each student is on a different path, and ensuring they are comfortable with their decision is vitally important. We want each of our students to be fully informed about their financial responsibilities and the opportunities that are out there to aid them.

Q. How do you view your role at the university?

Diana: Not only do I guide the students through the financial aspect of their education, but I also ensure they are not overwhelmed by the numbers. Finances at UWLA should not be a complicated discussion. I am here to ensure we can reach a comfortable outcome. My mission is to ensure that the cost of education doesn’t impede someone’s dreams and aspirations.

Q. We’ve been told you are very passionate when it comes to helping students pursue their dreams. Where does that passion stem from? 

Diana: I come from Mexican parents who are first-generation immigrants. I grew up in a strict household with specific gender roles. But I had aspirations of my own, even at a young age. I told my mother that I wanted to study math and eventually teach. Being a wife and taking care of the home would come second. It was hard to explain to others, but my dedication and fearlessness helped me find my identity. At 18, I followed in the footsteps of my Aunt Lucy, who showed me that breaking generational cycles was okay. She brought me into the office one day to assist with pulling files for a Financial Aid Audit, and ever since then, I have been working with higher education. I call it the beautiful accident that allowed me to discover a passion for assisting students with their education goals. It doesn’t hurt that my husband understands my passion for higher education and respects the multiple roles I play as an administrator, a wife, and a mom.

Q. Can you share some highlights from your work at UWLA or beyond?

Diana: My journey at UWLA has been filled with highlights and moments that constantly remind me why what we do for our community and students is so important. My biggest highlight has been assisting with the set-up of the Financial Aid Department. Some days it seems like a never-ending struggle, but at the end of the day, all the hard work pays off for the students. Of course, I remember many of our students, but there was one recent graduate in particular, Veronica Carrasco (JD 2022), who completely impressed me. Her hard work, determination, and dedication totally inspired me, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

Q. Do you have any regrets about not fulfilling your dream to become a mathematics teacher?

Diana: It’s true that I had dreams of becoming a math teacher, but the truth is that in my role as Director of Financial Aid, I teach budgets, interest rates, and real-life math to our students. In this way, I have actually been able to achieve my goal while making positive contributions to students’ educational goals. I’ve enjoyed the best of both worlds, and I am fortunate to meet many different types of students with very diverse backgrounds, walks of life, and life circumstances.

Q. What are some of the strengths of getting an education at UWLA?

Diana: UWLA is a family, and as such, we care about everyone’s goals. The faculty and staff ensure that students not only pass their courses but that they have the tools needed to be successful in their careers and their lives.

Q. What advice would you offer a prospective student considering coming to UWLA?

Diana: Do not hesitate. It is never too late to continue your education. Let’s finish that degree you placed on hold due to work, family, or finances. If you face obstacles, tell us about them. We will guide you and help make your educational dream a reality. We are not here to sell you a non-realistic plan. We genuinely care about each potential student, and we are here to serve each of them as fairly and personally as possible.