Can you go to college without you're parents permission?

Applying to College
1

<p>Okay so my dad wants me to go to a state school but I want to go to a private school. He tells me a private school is out of the budget and a state school will even be tough for him. </p>

<p>My question is: Can I go to whatever school I want as long as I get accepted and find a cosigner for a loan??? btw, i'll be 18 in may so I will be an adult. (some loans don't even require a cosigner)</p>

<p>(I know, i know, i should just go to the state school and please my papa...don't lecture me, just give me an answer...please :] )<br>
btw, i already found a cosigner....</p>

2

<p>most likely, yes.</p>

3

<p>Yes, but many loans require your father to submit his tax information so the school can determine that you have a need for aid (loan.) If he refuses to do so because he does not want you to amass debt, you may be stuck.</p>

4

<p>How would you find a co-signer if your dad is not willing to sign?</p>

5

<p>^ Same question. I thought most would require a relative/legal guardian. </p>

<p>I mean, you could pick an aunt or uncle...but chances are they won't do it. It would definitely cause some tension in the family.</p>

<p>Wouldn't make sense for a teacher either or a boss. Who did you get? Someone randomly from the street O_o? Jk...but I'm curious</p>

6

<p>Have you submitted financial aid applications? From another post you sound low income so might qualify for some good aid - might make the private school more affordable than you think.</p>

7

<p>^Yes, if you're truly low-income, you have a better chance of getting aid at a private school than at a state school (or so I've heard).</p>

8

<p>I think you can. apply for financial aid as an independent student. if you have credit, you shouldn't have much problems getting a loan.</p>

9

<p>At 18 you cannot apply for financial aid as an independent student unless you meet other criteria. You have to be 24, married, a veteran, doing a masters/doctorate, have a dependent you are supporting to be considered dependent for financial aid purposes. And whether you are claimed on someones tax return is not relevant either.</p>

10

<p>Basically, if you have the money (in this case a co-signer to the loans) you should be fine, unless there is some state law that is an issue, which I doubt.</p>

11

<p>Before it turns into a battle of wills, try to talk to your father calmly about your goals and desires to attend college. If you communicate your position as well as let him communicate his, maybe you can find some common ground.</p>

<p>Sometimes, with financial aid , attending a private college can be less ( or equal to ) attending a state school )
I can see both sides..concerned parent, worried about how he can afford to send you to college and a goal oriented student with dreams of going to a private college.
Getting into a mountain of debt is not the only way to make it happen. Try to come to a reasonable compromise..you could apply to states and privates and see what comes of it.
Just stay calm and listen..hopefully your father will do the same</p>

<p>On a side note, I have a neighbor who is a doctor..he seems to be very frugal ( driving old cars and his wife and kids dress from Walmart and Payless..) He insists that when his kids are ready to apply to college, they will ONLY be able to apply to state schools. He doesn't understand that with merit scholarships and grants, I will pay equal to a state college for my D to attend her dream school
For whatever reason he lives as he</p>

12

<p>The only way for you to go to college without your parents' involvement is if you were to get a full ride merit scholarship.</p>

13

<p>My co-signer is a retired friend who I've known for years through my church. We're pretty close and I consider him to be kinda like a parent.</p>

14

<p>bump.....and btw, my dad is willing to do the FAFSA and all the financial stuff he just won't co-sign a loan with me....</p>

15

<p>Do the FAFSA ASAP - most schools deadlines are approaching fast. Have you done the css/profile for the private school (if required). </p>

<p>You need to check and meet the financial aid deadlines to maximize your aid. If you miss the deadlines you may miss out on a large amount of aid. Do it ASAP.</p>

16

<p>i have a couple friends who are in a similar situation. their parents are not willing to stretch to pay for them to attend a privated school like GWU, BU, and other private schools in that tier. however, they would gladly pay to send them to a Harvard, Stanford, Notre Dame, WashU, etc.</p>

<p>i think this is the right approach because it won't make sense for your parents to stretch to pay for a mediocre private school when you can go to a decent, or, depending on your state, a good state school and save money. then when it comes time for graduate school/medical school/etc. then you can stretch and go where ever you feel like.</p>

<p>bottomline, i would only go through with this loan thing if you have a clear life plan mapped out, and for whatever reason, going to this private school is essential to your ultimate goal. otherwise, going into debt just doesn't make sense and you will be regretting it once you realize you have to pay off all that debt.</p>