<p>I went back to school at age 33. Not only was I independent, I had a number of dependents that I was supporting.</p>
<p>Now maybe if I did something like enroll in the Ada Comstock program @ Smith, I might have had it made. But because I was tied to where I lived due to familial obligations I attended a SUNY.</p>
<p>I got loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized; TAP; and a little bit of Pell. </p>
<p>I am still paying those loans.</p>
<p>So the only “benefit” to being independent for financial aid purposes was that I didn’t need to get my father’s 1040 information. There wasn’t any additional aid, other than the small amount of Pell.</p>
<p>I think it really depends on where you plan to apply to school, and how you plan to live.</p>
<p>You might get a similar package with your plan to go to San Francisco State. And it might be doable.</p>