Question about parent income and financial aid

<p>Yes, I do know that this is a hot button topic, but I'm trying to get real information. The schools won't even talk to me about it until they know whether my transfer will be approved. The question is this:</p>

<p>Is there a way for a single 23-year-old student with no dependants who is completely financially independant to apply for financial aid without considering parents' income if they are still on speaking terms with their parents?</p>

<p>I love my folks, so I got out of their hair. I didn't get married or have kids, but I pay my own expenses and tuition. They've had medical problems, which mean back-logged bills and time off and such that mean they contribute squat, as much as they would love to help. I'm working hard to make money and go to school, but I have to count an income that I don't have access to toward financial aid, which means I don't qualify for it. If my transfer is approved, I won't even live in the same state anymore. Is there something I can do?</p>

<p>Nope. You have to be 24. Sorry.</p>

<p>FAFSA question 48. Were you born before January 1, 1985? </p>

<p>When do you turn 24? If you turn 24 during 2008 you are independent. Otherwise you are dependent. It is based on federal rules for FAFSA - not anything the school can do.</p>

<p>You can take a year off of school and work and then transfer elsewhere as an independent.</p>

<p>Yeah, Iwas afraid of that. I was just hoping that maybe there was some way, maybe a statement and let them probe my finances, to make them see that I really am on my own. I was already looking into going to school part time and working full time until I am eligible to file independently. That looks like the way I'm going. Thanks, everybody.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, that is not how it goes. Unitl you turn 24, they will require information from your parents . </p>

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You can take a year off of school and work and then transfer elsewhere as an independent.

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</p>

<p>This is not necessarily true. Yes, when you turn 24 your are independent as far as the FAFSA and receiving federal aid. However at many schools that provide their own institutional aid, if you start their school as a dependent student, you remain a dependent student when it comes down to their money. </p>

<p>So it there is a stong possibility that you can have a "0" EFC on the FAFSA (you will receive federal aid) but the school give you a need based FA award based on your parent's income and assets.</p>

<p>dntw8up: "You can take a year off of school and work and then transfer elsewhere as an independent."</p>

<p>sybbie719:"This is not necessarily true. Yes, when you turn 24 your are independent as far as the FAFSA and receiving federal aid. However at many schools that provide their own institutional aid, if you start their school as a dependent student, you remain a dependent student when it comes down to their money."</p>

<p>dntw8up: The OP said, "The schools won't even talk to me about it until they know whether my transfer will be approved." That suggests to me that s/he is looking to transfer to another school and isn't planning to finish at the school where s/he started as a dependent. If the OP transfers once s/he's 24, the new school will treat her as an independent.</p>

<p>Another thought. If you are planning to move to another State to finish your education have you thought about moving to that State and working a year or two before you start school there. Most States base their in state tuition on parents residency for dependent students but on the students residency for an independent student. Each state has their own residency requirements but for most the residency you start with is what you stay and for many you have to live there at least a year before you start college. Something to consider and investigate if you are going to work before you continue your education.</p>