<p>Sybbie, the OP didn't ask about her own situation --she is past that point in her life. The question is in the 2nd paragraph (after the words, "here's my question"): "Anyone heard of kids these days going it on their own to make themselves eligible for financial aid based on their own income.......by "biting the bullet" the first year or two with loans and not take support from parents"</p>
<p>That's the question that was asked, so that' the one I answered.</p>