EFC too high, no support from family - what do I do?

Paying for College
1

Hello all,

I am a transfer student who gets a full-ride to all public colleges due to BOG since my father was a veteran. However, if I want to attend a private school, the BOG does not work in my favor and my EFC is too high (currently 9000 for community colleges).

I know my parents won’t help me pay tuition, rent, food or anything else. Although I currently live with them and get free rent, I am paying for everything else (car, food, books, etc). When I transfer out, I will need to pay the rent as well because I have to move out.

Is there anything else I can do to get financial aid from a private school without taking loans out and receiving merit scholarships? I was thinking of living in my car and paying for tuition through work. What kind of circumstances do colleges accept for financial aid if I claim myself as an independent? I am applying to Standford and all the other ivy league colleges.

Thank you

2

http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/20981689#Comment_20981689
here’s a thread about how it’s basically impossible to become independent

You will not make 50,000 a year for tuition on top of car food and books living out of your car. Why do you want to go to private school? Many public schools are great and for you it’s 100% the best option. Go to “Stanford and all the other ivy league colleges” for grad school with 0 debt.

3
  1. It’s “Stanford.”
  2. On what basis would you claim yourself as an independent?
4

Have you been removed by the courts from your parents home due to neglect or abuse?

If not, you can forget becoming independent for now.

What community college are you transferring out of, and which public colleges in your state have articulation agreements with your CC? That’s your best and cheapest option.

Go to Stanford or anywhere else you like for grad school. Why would you live out of your car if you can go to a public college and y’know- take showers or use a toilet occasionally?

5

So…what is th matter with finishing your bachelors degree with little cost to you?

Stanford won’t be affordable unless your family can pay the family contribution Stanford computes.

Oh…and you would also have to be accepted…and the %age of accepted transfers is…low at Stanford and at all of the Ivies.

What is your parents’ annual incomes…total. How much can they afford to pay annually for you to attend college?

6

Most students have help from their families. Otherwise, where would the money come from?

You’re getting a full ride at your public college, yes? Problem solved!
FYI: My husband is an EE grad from Stanford; his boss graduated from a Cal State. Once you start working, where you went to school won’t matter.

7

Stanford and the Ivies base all aid on financial need. If you EFC (FAFSA?) is $9000, you might very well qualify for a lot of need based aid, but it would require your parents to complete the CSS profile.

I say count your blessings you have the military money. Many many many students would be happy to have a public school education paid for. I have two living at my house who would!