<p>Hi,
I am going to be a freshman in college this fall, and I have a merit scholarship for tuition from the university. As far as I know, I don't have any money from FAFSA, although my mum could have easily forgotten to tell me x.x . </p>
<p>I was recently engaged, and my finace and I were wondering how the whole financial aid thing is going to work out. We understand that I wouldn't be able to live in the dorms, and there would be other expenses for rent, food, etc. that come with living on your own that wouldn't be paid for by scholarships, but what about FAFSA aid? Does it pay for books in addition to tuition?</p>
<p>I read some other posts in various forums, and some of you said that the university can choose to let you keep your merit scholarship if you're married because it's the university's choice to use their money how they will. But, I'd be considered "independent" for FAFSA. What exactly does this mean? I understand that I wouldn't be able to receive any money from my parents and that I'd be responsible for my own apartment, food, etc. What I don't understand is, some folks were discussing how it is a difficult process to become independent because some universities suspect people get married fraudulently to be considered independent. Why is being independent an advantage? As far as I know (which really isn't much on this topic, lol), it's a disadvantage.</p>
<p>Sorry if some of this bounces around and doesn't make sense... I'm just supplying the information I know and what I don't understand about it... lol. Thanks in advance for the help :)</p>
<p>When are you getting married? The FAFSA requires parent information unless you are ALREADY married. You would need to get married, and then amend your FAFSA. Keep in mind that most schools that use only the FAFSA do not meet full need anyway. You may find that they do not adjust your financial aid at all (except that you may be eligible for something like a Pell Grant).</p>
<p>Re: marriage. Colleges would only become curious about it if it looked as though you were marrying for the financial aid incentive at a place like a school that meets full need. You don't say where you are attending college, but if it's a public university, that is not the case. </p>
<p>Re: housing...no, married students don't share regular dorm rooms. Some colleges have married student housing. You could inquire about that. Some schools don't have this at all.</p>
<p>If your college uses the Profile, there IS a place to indicate any financial assistance you are receiving from "other sources". This is where you would (honestly) have to list monies contributed to you and your spouse for college expenses.</p>
<p>I think you are confusing being "independent" because of marriage, and being "independent" as an emancipated minor. When you are married, you CAN still have contact and financial support from your family (you would have to list this money on any form that asks for monies you receive from other sources). It's only if you are petitioning to be an emancipated minor and independent that you can have no financial or other contact with your family. That is VERY different.</p>
<p>And VERY IMPORTANT...you don't "get any money from FAFSA". The FAFSA is a form that you complete that provides financial and asset information for the colleges to use to determine need based federal aid awards. FAFSA does NOT award money. The colleges do.</p>
<p>You should also check to see if you college(s) require the CSS Profile, or a college financial aid form.</p>
<p>Merit aid that is distributed by the college can be awarded any way they choose.</p>
<p>hmm, why are married students treated differently</p>
<p>Well, we haven't decided when we are getting married yet because of the college situation. If it isn't a huge ordeal, we hoped to get married in the next near or two.</p>
<p>I looked into my specific college (Truman University in Missouri) and they do have married student housing. They also have information as to how to amend for financial aid form after the fact. Thanks for the tips! They helped narrow my search a bit hehe.</p>
<p>I have one last question:
If being "independent" because of marriage still allows you to have support from your family, why is it such a big deal? Or is it not and I just thought it was?</p>
<p>Married students are treated differently because they are considered independent for FAFSA purposes so do not have to supply parent financial information. This is because most married people are assumed to be providing for themselves. You do have to provide the financial information of the spouse. There is still little in the way of income and asset protection for independent students. A little more income protection - still no asset protection. And independent students do not generally quaalify for the automatic zero EFC.</p>
<p>Chardonnay...it is presumed that married students are their own "family".</p>
<p>
[quote]
I have one last question:
If being "independent" because of marriage still allows you to have support from your family, why is it such a big deal? Or is it not and I just thought it was?
[/quote]
It is an assumption that married couples would be self supporting. (personally I would expect my kids to be able to support themselves if they got married). If your parents do still help you out financially you would have to report that financial help on FAFSA.</p>
<p>That makes sense. I assume My spouse-to-be and I will be able to take care of ourselves, but I heard bits and pieces from people that I wouldn't be able to have any aid from my family, which kind of worried me in the case of some sort of emergency. I feel like I actually know what's going on now though hehe. Thank you all for the advice!</p>
<p>Also keep in mind at many schools, if you start as a dependent student, you finish as a dependent student. </p>
<p>In short while you may be considered independent for FAFSA purposes (remember the FAFSA only determines your eligibility for federal aid) but when it comes to the school distributing their own institutional funds, they may still ask for your parents income and assets.</p>