<p>How can I qualify for Independent status in the state of Georgia/Uni of West Georgia?</p>
<p>Is it possible to just declare financial independence?</p>
<p>You see, my parents do not support me going to a certain college, feeling that it does not do me justice, so I need to pay on my own/qualify for financial aid and go where I need to go.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Sorry, no.</p>
<p>For you to be considered to be independent, you must be one of the following…</p>
<p>1) over age 24
2) married
3) have a dependent
4) be a veteran
5) I think already have a bachelors degree</p>
<p>There may be some other odd exceptions, but those are the most common. Many kids have parents that don’t support their college plans, therefore it’s not easy to become independent.</p>
<p>What state are you in? What are your stats? What is your likely major? What college(s) do your parents want you to go to? Will they help pay for a school of their choice?</p>
<p>Why do you wnat to go to UWG?</p>
<p>Perhaps we can figure something out that will work for you?</p>
<p>No you can not declare financial independency. Even students who have actually been financially independent are considered dependents for financial aid purposes unless they are 24 years old or meet one of the other criteria to be considered independent. For instance my son had dropped out of school for 3 years and was completely self supporting - renting his own home, paying his own bills etc - when he returned to school at 22 he was considered a dependent for FA purposes.</p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>
<p>So, if you get married you qualify for independent AND you can still get grants and things like the HOPE scholarship?</p>
<p>Do you live in Georgia? If not, then you won’t get HOPE. You probably would have to live there at least a year as an independent before you could get in-state rates and HOPE. But, not sure.</p>
<p>BTW…are you thinking of getting married just to get in-state rates and independent status???</p>
<p>If you are married you are usually an independent student for financial aid purporse. BUT here is a caution to you. Colleges really do have limited funds these days. If it looks like you married JUST to become an independent student AND you really have no way of providing evidence that you are able to support yourself independently, there could be questions asked. I have no way to support my statements here, but I can’t imagine that colleges these days would just LOOK at an 18 year old’s marital status as independent without questioning it.</p>
<p>BTW…those schools in Georgia do NOT meet full financial need. Even IF you got the full federal financial aid, you would be many thousands of dollars short of paying for your tuition/room/board and fees at any residential four year college that does not meet full financial need.</p>
<p>Also, parent speaking here…it is just plain not smart to marry in the HOPES it will net you increased financial aid.</p>
<p>*Also, parent speaking here…it is just plain not smart to marry in the HOPES it will net you increased financial aid. *</p>
<p>Agreed! That’s a scary thought!!! Remember, if you marry, you’ll likely lose your health insurance if you’re covered thru your parents.</p>
<p>*those schools in Georgia do NOT meet full financial need. Even IF you got the full federal financial aid, you would be many thousands of dollars short of paying for your tuition/room/board and fees at any residential four year college that does not meet full financial need.
*</p>
<p>Agreed. And, residency would take a year to establish before going to school. </p>
<p>BTW…are you considering this school because you have a significant other at that school or in that state?</p>
<p>Would you be willing to answer the questions that I put in post #2?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yes…usually when you have earned a bachelors degree, you are considered independent for financial aid purposes (but remember that masters degree financial aid is NOT the same as for undergrads).</p>
<p>In addition to the above add</p>
<ol>
<li>Being a ward of the state.
7 Being an orphan.</li>
<li>Change #3 to “having a dependent you that you SUPPORT financially”</li>
</ol>
<p>ahhh to number 8…that makes sense! :)</p>
<p>Here are some other scholarships available for U WGa [Financial</a> Aid | FAQs](<a href=“http://www.westga.edu/financialAid/index_6571.php#schol]Financial”>http://www.westga.edu/financialAid/index_6571.php#schol)
If you are a GA resident and qualify for the HOPE, its relatively inexpensive to attend.</p>
<p>Another option, one that is a bit extreme is declaring dependency via the McKinney-Vento Act. You would have to qualify as homeless, a runaway, and self-sufficient. And you would need to prove it and contact a homeless liaison. Its a bit of a process.</p>