financial aid and efc question?

[Casey F]

So I made $19,875 last year and apparently this is too much to get federal grants. My estimated family contribution is $5,051.

Here is the problem my estimated cost of attendance is $21,000 my first year. I will only be able to cover this cost with student loans and because of my EFC I think I'm only eligible for a loan of about $16,000. Where am I supposed to get the other $5,000. I'm 26 yrs old and independent. Neither my parents nor do I have $5,000. I researched scholarships and I have either missed deadlines or I still have to be in high school to be eligible. Looking back on my finances I determined that it was virtually impossible to save $5,000 when making $19,000 a year. Help!!