One idea is to open a Roth and/or traditional IRA.
IRAs are not included in your "assets". And should be protected from the evil men and women at financial aid. If you had an income, you can deposit your entire taxable wages up to $3000 a year. You can make a deposit for 2003 before april 15 (tax is due) and make a second deposit the same day for 2004 if your wages will be 3000 this year.
Traditional IRAs are tax deferred accounts, thus you can reduce your taxable income by the amount you place into the account. The interest generated in the account is taxable and when you remove the money, after retirement or whatnot, you will be taxed on distributions at your marginal tax rate.
Roths are post-tax donations to an account, they generate interest tax free, and when you withdraw it, the distributions are tax free.
Good luck,
CCW