<p>That is the way the system works. THere is a lot of unfairness in that system. It basically ties the kid to the parents until age 24 in terms of college choices. I agree that it is very unfair.</p>
<p>Do note that being independent does not mean a nirvana in terms of financial aid either. The formulas for an independent student does not mean a windfall in terms of aid. You are expected to put a lot of your income towards your college. It makes it very difficult for kids who want to put themselves through school on a full time basis.</p>
<p>If you can get a job with a college, that often can get you tuition benefits. Otherwise, most people who are independent have to go to school part time. When I finished my undergraduate studies, I felt I needed some business and other specialty courses for my job. I had to take them on a part time basis because I did not qualify for financial aid on my salary, but I was not making so much that I could afford to pay for school on my own. It did put me in a financial quandary. I was fortunate to find a job that had tuition reimbursement and ended up taking loans to pay for the first part time course and then using the reimbursements for future courses. My son is currently doing the same thing right now. Many are for advanced part time degrees who need their jobs. This is not a situation that is new.</p>