A little advice?

Paying for College
1

<p>Some background information: I'm nineteen, graduated in 2012. I was accepted into the school of my choice and had plans to attend. However, my plans were somewhat set back due to some complications. My parents are here illegally, therefore I was not able to qualify for in state tuition because I was considered out of state, and I was also not going to be able to use my scholarships awarded by the state. Also, I was pretty sure I was not going to be able to fill out the FASFA. So, I began working full-time and attending a community college nearby paying everything out of pocket. (Also, my mom is actually in the process of becoming a citizen but it has been a very long process as she is doing so through her sister and even though she is allowed to be here because it's all in the process, she's technically not a legal citizen yet.)
Now, my aunt and uncle (who are legal residents and are working on becoming citizens) have told me they would be willing to help me out in whatever way they can for me to able to attend the school I wanted to go to. I'm currently taking one class this semester, and will begin working two jobs soon. I plan to move out towards the end of this year.
I guess I have a few questions for anyone who would be willing to help me out with some advice.
If I move in with my aunt and uncle until I move out on my own, will that make me qualified for in-state tuition? I ask this because even though I'm 19 and will move out soon, the residency form asks for who will support me in the months prior to my acceptance; it also asks for info about their state residency, such as their address and their vehicle registration, driver's license, etc. It also asks who claims me on their taxes and if no one does, it asks for info regarding my taxes and vehicles and employment. My dad has not claimed me in years; I filed my own taxes last year and will do so next year.</p>

<p>Also, with the above information, would I be able to fill out the FASFA without my parents' info? I know that you are not considered independent until you're 24, married, and so on but I've heard of dependency overrides and such. </p>

<p>Finally, would there have to be anything done regarding custody or guardianship? I'm nineteen now and considered an adult but the whole not being independent until you're 24 thing has me a little confused.
If there any additional questions needed to be answered in order for advice, I'd be happy and willing to answer them. Thank you so much in advance!!</p>

2

<p>You need to check the residency requirements for YOUR college, and your state. There is wild variation in the requirements. </p>

<p>You MUST include your parents’ information on the FAFSA form. even though you are working, you are considered a dependent for financial aid purposes.</p>

<p>What state are you currently residing in? Is it the same state where you graduated from high school? </p>

<p>No, you can’t establish residency by simply living with your aunt and uncle.</p>

3

<p>I’m in South Carolina and yes, I was born and raised here. I am a legal citizen of the US and a legal resident of South Carolina; I’ve lived here all my life. The only problem is there is a law stating that until you’re 24, married, etc your state residency depends upon the person who supports you. My mom’s legalization is in process so technically she can’t be considered a resident yet. However, while I’m in school, most of my support will come from myself, an SC resident. It just seems really unfair to me, although I’m sure many others would disagree.
The following is a link regarding college and state residency.
[South</a> Carolina Legislature Mobile](<a href=“http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c112.php]South”>Code of Laws - Title 59 - Chapter 112 - Determination Of Rates Of Tuition And Fees)</p>

4

<p>Also, here are the requirements for state residency for the college I’m trying to attend. My dad isn’t really “in the picture,” and it’s been my mom to do most of the supporting. It’s just really complicated as her legalization is in process.</p>

<p><a href=“404 page not found | University of South Carolina”>404 page not found | University of South Carolina;