@twoinanddone Yes, I’ve received a Pell Grant my three non-summer semesters at USC (spring 2016, fall 2016, and spring 2017). Since I was a spring 2016 admit, that’s definitely why I had access to a summer Pell Grant and summer Cal Grant that summer semester (I didn’t get them for fall 2015). You’re right that I did use up that Pell Grant funds for the 2016-2017 year. Aside from the summer pell and cal grant, USC is the same way. They don’t offer university grants and basically make students pay 100% of the tuition costs. This is why I was relying on the PLUS loan. If they don’t really reconsider their decision (since I still find it odd that they seem to be considering this summer 2017 as part of the 2017-2018 school year and thus are labeling me as independent). I certainly don’t think I’ve utilized my Direct Loan limits because USC covers almost my entire tuition during normal semesters, but I really didn’t want to come back for the fall semester just for two classes when I can finish them in six weeks during the summer - and I wanted to participate in this year’s commencement as I mentioned. Sounds like I might have been in a better financial position if I just waited. Nevertheless, the FA office is stating that this is my last semester I can apply for financial aid as I will have completed my degree requirements; I just won’t have the money to pay for the classes I took by the looks of things =\