<p>My son (aged 19) is thinking of attending a private school and we are exploring funding options. He has just completed 3 semesters of JC and is thinking of transfering mid year. I was told that if I do dot claim him on my taxes that he would be independant of our household income for financial aid purposes. He presently lives with his grandmother and she is supporting him financially he has no income. Is there any truth to this or will I still have to fill out the financial aid form anyway?</p>
<p>Unless you S is over 23, pursuing a graduate degree, a veteran, supporting dependents himself, or married he will be considered dependent for the purposes of financial aid.</p>
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Whoever told you that was completely wrong. Being claimed or not claimed on your taxes is completely irrelevant for financial aid purposes.</p>
<p>I also believe that unless grandmother was declared his guardian before he turned 18, that parents income will still
Be required for financial aid - especially on private school forms.</p>
<p>Just to add to EK’s post, his grandmother would need to have been granted legal guardianship by the courts before your son turned 18, not you simply giving permission for guardianship.</p>
<p>Unless the grandmother is the legal guardian, you will STILL have to submit the financial info. He won’t be considered independent until 24. </p>
<p>As a transfer student, it will be very difficult for your son to get much financial aid unless he’s a tippy top student and gets accepted to one of the few elite schools that give great aid to transfer students.</p>
<p>most schools do NOT give much aid to transfer students.</p>
<p>Your son also needs to apply to a public that he can commute to since that may end up being his only affordable choice.</p>