<p>I have an EFC of >$50,000. However, my parents refuse to pay for college for many reasons that I refuse to accept (they paid full tuition at my sister's 45k school). So I'm a junior right now but want to look at my options. When I apply to college and graduate high school I'll still be 17 which means I can't be declared financially independent which means I'm not going to be able to get any aid. Is there any way I can find some sort of loophole?</p>
<p>You can not be 'declared financially independent' at all for financial aid purposes. You have to be 24 or able to answer yes to one of a series of 'dependency' questions (be doing a masters or doctorate, be married, have a dependent of your own you support >50%, be a military veteran etc etc) to be considered financially independent for financial aid purposes. Otherwise for financial aid you are regarded as a dependent of your parents until you turn 24.</p>
<p>My son returned to school at 22 having worked full time and being completely self supporting (own rent and bills, not claimed on our taxes etc) for the 2 years he was out of school. He was still considered a dependent for financial aid purposes.</p>
<p>Why do your parents refuse to pay for your college when they paid for your sister's $45K school? Did you kill someone? Did she? :o</p>
<p>All parents could "refuse to pay" and that wouldn't work for schools or grantors. You need to work with the resources available to you--your folks, your HS, and anything in your community. I'd start with talking with your HS counselor about any suggestions they have & possibly seeing if they could arrange a session with you & your folks to figure out what options are available.</p>
<p>"Refusing to accept" that your parents are not wiling to pay because they paid full tuition at your sister's 45K school won't get you what you need at this point, but a discussion might help clear the air. Many families are having a tougher time than they had expected in flight of recent economic tough times which are expected to extend for some time--through 2011 is the most recent projection I have read.</p>
<p>You might not accept the reasons your parents won't pay for your college, but there could some valid ones. I would consider addressing those reasons and see if they will change their minds when the time comes.</p>