<p>Heya, I will be transferring in the 2009-2010 school year. This will also be the first year that I will be classified as a "independent" as opposed to an "independent" student for Financial Aid purposes. I was wondering: Since I work now and make (some) money, will my current income essentially be deducted from the tuition and that will be my financial aid profile?</p>
<p>I don't think this is fair, as I make little money as it is (not able to save any) and don't expect to be able to work nearly as much when I transfer.</p>
<p>Any poor independent transfer students here? How did going from dependent to independent student affect your financial aid? Thanks!</p>
<p>You might want to ask this in the Financial Aid forum, or at least look at some of the threads there for more information, but basically what you will do is fill out FAFSA and then it will tell you your EFC, which is a percentage of your income and assets (mine is about 30% of my income). The EFC is your Expected Family (in this case you) Contribution. This is the amount, generally, that your school will expect you to pay, whether you have it saved up or can continue working at the rate you are now or not. </p>
<p>If you don't make much money now, your EFC probably won't be that high. If it is higher than what you would be able to afford once at UC, depending on how many hours you can continue working, you should be able to submit an appeal form to your UC's financial aid department to lower your EFC. You have to have a valid reason for it, for instance, a job loss or fewer working hours, and documentation showing it.</p>
<p>As an independent student, FAFSA will no longer look at your parents for their contribution. Assuming your parents make a lot more money than you, you will probably be eligible for a lot more in aid money.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the response! I will certainly try to post over in Financial Aid forum too.</p>