This study used questionnaires to analyze the differences of goal setting, cognitive load, and volition in learning between financially disadvantaged students and non- financially disadvantaged students. The goal was to investigate the relationships among goal setting, cognitive load, and volition in learning. 208 questionnaires from financially disadvantaged students and 1965 questionnaires from non-financially disadvantaged students were collected. Several important results were found. First, financially disadvantaged students showed lower goal setting than non-financially disadvantaged students. Second, financially disadvantaged students showed significantly higher mental load and time load than non-financially disadvantaged students. Third, financially disadvantaged students’ volition in learning was significantly lower than non-financially disadvantaged students. Finally, students’ goal setting and cognitive load had significant effect on their volition in learning.