<p>I already have a BA in psychology but I am looking to enroll in a state school and take some courses this spring (most likely full-time enrollment). </p>
<p>The thing is, I will be turning 24 at the end of November and I am wondering how this affects the FAFSA. Will I be able to fill it out as an independent without my parental info? (I know this is very late in the season, but going back to school was a recent decision on my part and the school will still accept it). Or will I still be a dependent because I was still 23 in 2010/most of 2011? </p>
<p>How would this change when I fill out the 2012-2013 FAFSA?</p>
<p>I guess I am just confused as to whether you can fill it out as an independent when you turn 24, or if you had to be 24 during the prior year W2's, etc.?</p>
<p>Okay, so I found some checksheet finally, and it seems that since I was born before January 1, 1988, I am an independent. But I’m still not sure how that works since I am filling out the FAFSA really late in the season; this information might have just been updated for the upcoming 2012-2013 FAFSA. I guess I’ll wait and hear from the admissions at the college and then talk to a financial aid advisor.</p>
<p>It is based on you turning 24. So if you turn 24 in 2011, then for the 2011-2012 FAFSA you are independent . Whichever year’s FAFSA you are completing will include the appropriate cut off dates for that FAFSA. It does not matter how late in the season you are competing it. The 2011-2012 FAFSA rules will stay the same for the 2011-2012 FAFSA. The 2012-2013 FAFSA (which is not available till January 1st) will have it’s own cut off dates and instructions</p>
<p>As you already have a bachelors, you will not be eligible for federal grant aid such as the Pell as that is only for people who have not already got a bachelors. You may be eligible for loans. Your aid will be somewhat limited as you already have an undergrad degree.</p>
<p>Thank you for the information. I didn’t really expect any aid, but it is still required in order to enroll at the school. It will be much easier not needing to dig out my parents’ information.</p>
<p>You are independent for FAFSA if you are in a grad or professional program. I think, even if you have an undergrad degree, you are still dependent if you are not doing a grad/professional program (and don’t meet one the other requirements to be independent).</p>
<p>That is correct. Second bach and Post bach students must meet the age minimum even if they already have a bachelors degree (or masters, if they are really smart!).</p>