<p>My parents recently informed me that they won't pay for any of my college, due to some issues we have. However, they do make a pretty good amount of money, like way more than they would have to make for me to qualify for need-based aid. So I have a question: is there any way I could qualify for any need-based aid? Because seriously...I have no money whatsover, and I'm very academic and overachieving so I might be able to get a bit of financial aid, but not at the top colleges that I had really wanted to attend. Thanks for all your help guys!</p>
<p>Look into private LOCAL scholarships. Don't bother with those on Fastweb unless you've REALLY achieved a lot. You have a small chance of getting any significant aid if your parents make over $60k a year. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks, there's a local women's organization known for giving out scholarships so maybe I'll contact them.</p>
<p>That's harsh. I'm sure colleges face that kind of problem all the time. Email an admissions or fin. aid officer, maybe?</p>
<p>I might try that too, thank you!</p>
<p>
[quote]
there any way I could qualify for any need-based aid?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Unless you meet the criteria for being an independent student;</p>
<p>Over 24 years ole
Married,
Veteran
became a ward of the court before you turned 18
have children of your own for whom you supply more than half their support</p>
<p>then answer is NO.</p>
<p>Financial aid is not based on what parents are willing to pay but what the school deems that parents can afford to pay according to theit income and assets.</p>
<p>If your s/n is any indication of where you would like to attend school, Penn will give FA based on your parents income and assets. My recommendation is to took for a school where you stand a strong chance of obtaining merit money (even then it would have to be close to full freight)</p>
<p>Look at it other way. You should be thankful that your parents drew the line in October, rather than in April. As sybbie says, you can still explore other options.</p>
<p>Look at some local colleges, and some schools where you would be a top applicant. THink about ROTC, going part time and commuting, options to bring the price down.</p>
<p>you cant get any need based aid, even if you need it and your parents wont give it</p>
<p>But merit scholarships - yes</p>
<p>Even though your parents won't pay for college, will they still complete the finaid form(s) FAFSA and Profile? Some schools require this for merit aid as well as need based aid. Check the school.</p>
<p>Apply to colleges which offer a lot of merit aid and where you are in the top 25% academically. You should also apply to at least one in state public university and one community college and of course your dream schools too. This way you will have a lot of options come Spring. </p>
<p>Also, if your parents' income is under $60K (I think this is Adjusted Gross Income) look and those schools which waive the parent contribuition. </p>
<p>You will need your parents 2005 and 2006 tax returns and info regarding the current balancestheir checking, savings and investment accounts to complete the CSS and FAFSA forms. Begin working on getting this information now if possible. Good luck!</p>
<p>I have the same problem ... <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=254236%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=254236</a></p>