Fed Financial
Can an independent student receive financial aid?
If i were to decide to live on my own and were accepted into a University of California, as an "indepentant" student, would i qualify for financial aid? The thing is, I unsure of i should move out after high school, but i fear that it is too tough financially. Any help will do. Thanks!
Public Comments
- Until your 24 your still under your parents tax bracket as far as financial aid goes. So your not excactly independant.
- Actually, you CAN get financial aid as an "independent" student as long as your parents are not claiming you as their dependent on their taxes. If they did claim you, you are not considered independent.
- Unfortunately, no. You'll only be counted "independent" if you're an orphan, over 24, are married, have a kid, or are in grad school. There's really no other way. Declaring independence has changed a lot since the 1990s...it used to be a lot easier (you just had to show your tax forms), but then the gov't realized a lot of people were falsely claiming so they would pay less for college. In your case, that's tough. Do you really have to move out? If it's a family issue...can you resolve it? And if you just want to get away from your parents...living on campus is basically like that. For financial aid, even if you do plan on moving out, make sure you work with your parents to file your FAFSA...if you don't, you won't get any need-based aid at all.
- check out http://fafsa.ed.gov for information.
- Yes. But it is very difficult to prove your case as an independent student. If you move out, you are not automatically "independent." You are still considered a "dependent" until you can prove otherwise, usually through tax records and other supporting documentation. The decision to move out after high school is a tough one, regardless of "independent" or "dependent" status. On the one hand, you have more personal freedom. But the downside is you are now responsible for your living expenses. You're also more likely to be tempted to stay out late and not study. I had a blast living on my own, but my grades definitely took a hit. You may decide for the first two years to live at home before making the leap to living on your own. Choose carefully and good luck!
- until you r 24 years old until then you are considered a dependent unless you have children
