<p>I've been out of high school for a few years now and decided its time for me to attend college! I will be moving to California and attending Santa Monica College for two years. After that I would love to transfer to USC. I want to major in business or Public Relations. Not sure which one yet but some things have me worried. As of now I will be considered an dependent student because Im only 20 but by the time I attend USC I will be considered independent. Will this have any bear on how much money I receive for financial aid? As of now I will receive very little if any because my mom makes a lot of money, even though she is not going to help me out AT ALL for school. Will being an independent student making very little money help in gaining aid from USC? Looking for some help and thanks everyone!</p>
<p>Once you get past the age of independence (for FA that is), availability of funds through the FA process typically go up substantially. That is unless you are making some pretty good income by then.</p>
<p>Well that is great news then. I’ll still be pushing minimum wage job in Cali by then. Thats what I was worried about. cause USC is a expensive school but with scholarships and aid i should be fine</p>
<p>Well got some good news today, I will be considered independent this coming year because I will be supporting for a person that will be living with me.</p>
<p>SMC123, at this point I think it’s more important to focus on succeeding at Santa Monica College - good grades will not only improve your chances for transferring to USC, but also increase the chances of receiving enough financial aid to pay for it.</p>
<p>Yeah I know that. I wont have a problem focusing all my attention on school once it gets there but knowing I will be eligible for grants makes me happy. My parents were not helping me out at all so knowing I will be able to pay for school really takes A LOT of weight off my shoulders.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if USC meets 100% of need without any big loans?</p>
<p>I know of several students who got a full ride to USC, but again that is more merit based than anything.</p>
<p>Yes I do beleive USC meets 100% of your need.</p>
<p>aid…</p>
<p>Do you mean that you know some students who got full-tuition scholarships as incoming freshmen with very high stats? I don’t think USC gives full-tuition scholarships to transfers.</p>
<p>But, do they meet 100% of need without big loans? USC is costing about $55k. Getting an FA package with big loans in it would be frustrating.</p>
<p>And, of course, no one knows what they’ll be offering 2 years from now…some 100% need schools are changing their policies because of the economy.</p>
<p>The person you are supporting would have to be your child for you to be considered independent until you are 24. And if you’re just moving to CA, you would have to pay OOS tuition at SMCC.</p>
<p>USC does meet 100% of need, but loans and work study will be part of the package. Not sure why this seems to offend so many, I know few free rides–other than top schools giving need based aid to the poor-- that produce a degree I’d want to take to the job market.</p>