I have a difficult financial situation. My parents are recently separated and living in separate states. My father used to be the sole source of income for my family, but now he’s basically entirely out of the picture. I live with my mother, who moved in with her family. She’s unemployed and is supported almost entirely by her sister (bills, rent, etc.) for the time being. I’m trying to transfer to a school in that state (because I can’t afford to go to my old school anymore), and one of the requirements for in-state residency is my parent’s state and federal tax returns, showing that they live in the state and pay taxes. But since we are currently supported by other family members, how would that work for my residency? Thanks a ton for your help.
Were you a student at Penn? Did you discuss your financial,situation with Penn before you withdrew…or,did you request a leave of absence?
How were you paying for Penn last year? Did your dad tell you he would no longer pay your college costs?
I was a student at Penn last year on financial aid, but after getting a job over the summer they reduced my aid, and now even the costs of going back and forth to school are too much (I’d have to fly across the country to ever visit home, and originally I liked Penn partially because it was reasonably close). I’d like to be in the same state for personal and financial reasons.
I’m almost financially self-sufficient; at this point, I pay most of my own expenses and earn more money than my mom. What financial aid didn’t cover last year, I paid for 100% by myself through a job and loans, so my parents really have never contributed to that financially. As for my dad, he’s almost impossible to reach, let alone get any information on his income and ability/willingness to pay for my school.
Would it be worth it to try to apply as an independent student?
You can’t apply as an independent student
Is your mom still in the same state she was before the separation? If so it should be easy to show continuing residency.
You are not independent for financial aid purposes.
Have you and your mom relocated to a new state? If so, you may have a residency requirement to eat there (some places require residency for a year before instate status is granted).