<p>I am currently 27, unfortunately live at home, and have completed a BA from a UC that my parents are thankfully paying off. </p>
<p>However, after graduation in 2008 I realized that I wanted to start my own business in an artistic field, and would like to return to a Jr. College to learn, meet connections, and get an AA in my field. </p>
<p>I make under $10k a year in my business and most of that goes to investment in gear and whatnot. I do not want to ask my parents for help as they have already done enough and I am not utilizing that degree. </p>
<p>TLDR - </p>
<p>If I am over 24, but live at home and want to get a BOGW or fasfa aid, am I able to do so without claiming my parents income if they will not financially assist me in this endeavor?</p>
<p>The good news is that since you are over 24 your are automatically independent for FA purposes. The bad news is that since you already have a bachelor’s degree you are not eligible for the Pell grant because it is only for undergraduates pursuing their first bachelors degree. You would still be eligible for federal stafford loans, until you hit the lifetime limit.If you are classified as an independent student, the lifetime limit is $57,500. If you’re classified as a dependent student, the lifetime limit is $31,000. These are both for undergraduate programs. The lifetime limit for a graduate or professional program is $138,500 or $224,000 for health professionals only. Have you considered entering into a graduate program instead of pursuing an associates? It’s another option. Here’s the site with the information on stafford loans and the lifetime limits: [Stafford</a> Loan Information | StaffordLoan.com](<a href=“What is a Subsidized Student Loan? | Edvisors”>What is a Subsidized Student Loan? | Edvisors)</p>
<p>It lists “Number in Household and Total Family Income” but why should this matter if I am self employed, over 24, and my parents would not assist with fees. Together the family would qualify as over the limit, but if I am independent going on my personal business income, I am well below the limit.</p>
<p>Do you need to study full time? Most people in your situation would enroll for only as many classes each term as they can pay for out of pocket.</p>
<p>Speak with an admissions counselor at this CCC, and find out how many classes you would need to take in order to receive an AA. Then think carefully about whether you need a full degree, or just certain courses are necessary for your goals.</p>
<p>I’m curious as to what field you are in that an AA would be better than an MA professionally. I can think of no such field. Even in a field like nursing right now it’s far better to earn a BSN than an ADN. In an artistic field, I’m almost positive you would meet better connections at a university than a two-year junior college.</p>
<p>juillet - Depending on the previous degree, it can be necessary to start over at zero. I know a humanities Ph.D. who subsequently earned an A.S. in Horticulture because the practical skills offered in that program matched what was needed for a career change.</p>
<p>Yes, you’re eligible for BOG even with the Bachelors. You could have a masters or PhD and still be eligible. BOG is only dependent on meeting an income ceiling (it is very low for independents with no dependents, I don’t know the exact cut off). Remember that it will only cover your course educational fees and not any other associated fees. There is no lifetime limit on how much you can use BOG, but obviously this could always change. There have been various attempts over the past several years to limit BOG eligibility from the very generous limitations it currently still maintains.</p>
<p>I recommend submitting both a BOG waiver form and a FAFSA. Sometimes the former does not always guarantee that one’s financial situation will be seen accurately even if one qualifies for BOG.</p>
<p>@juillet - I run a small video production / videography business and have a BA in History. While I agree there will be better connections in a University, I do not want 40k in debt and just want to learn a few tricks, meet some people, and build my business. </p>
<p>@Kender, thank you for the info, but as you mention the income ceiling, if I live with my parents do I need to put 4 people in my household (which will fail the BOGW) or since I am over 24 and they will not contribute, can I just list 1 person (which will qualify me)?</p>
<p>No, you only put 1 in your family … you are considered your own family for FAFSA purposes. You are independent due to your age, even if you don’t actually live on your own.</p>