How much financial aid do you you think I will get?? I am an independent student. (please read on)?

Question

I'm 19, married and a resident of NYC. Our household income is 50K. Cost of living is VERY pricey in the area..We have his college loan debt and other debt (which is about 20-30K.) I can't figure out how much I could get since the online financial aid calculators are usually based toward dependent students. We weren't married for the last taxable year. I filed taxes with my parents before who made 130K in 2004, 50K in 2005, and are currently unemployeed in 2006. (My father was a military official in Iraq who got hurt badly... which accounts for the drop in income.)

Do I have to put my parents income at all?? I couldn't afford to pay for than 5K a semester and I'm looking at someone that's about 15K a semester.

I do know about FAFSFA and I will fill one out but I'm trying to budget it out to make sure Pace would be an option or if I should look at less expensive schools.

Is anyone experienced with this? I'm having a really hard time figuring out the system.

*FAFSA... typo..

You are considered INDEPENDENT if you:

-Will be at least 24 years of age by December 31 in the application year (for example, December 31, 2006 for the 06-07 school year).
-An orphan, ward of the court, or both of your parents are deceased.
-A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
-A student with legal dependents other than a spouse.
-A graduate student.
-Married at the time you file your FAFSA.

Married students are independent regardless of age!

And if you read the details.. my parents are currently unemployeed and didn't file much last year either.. can someone who knows more about financial aid help me out here??

And for those of you who are talking about the disabled military veteran stuff. I believe my father is legally 60% disabled from his Iraq tour and might of been a few %s of disability also from Bosnia back in the late 90s.

Answer 1

I don't know how much money you will get but I can tell you that the above answer is wrong. Since you are married, you are considered emanicipated. To be considered emanicipated you have to be married OR have a child; not a bunch of children. The federal government will give you about $4500 in grants. I live in Ohio and my state gives about $2500 as additional grants. You can also get student loans which are unsubsidized and subsidized. You will qualify for them and they are based upon your year of attendance. For a freshman you can possibly get $6000+, sophmore $7500 and on. However since your father is a veteran and was hurt you may be able to go to school for free. Ask him to check it out and if he is unable you can ask your mother or you can check it out yourself. Check with VA benefits and you can also check with his former command because I am sure they will be more than willing to help. There are many services that will help you and your family. Be careful and don't let anyone scam you but there is more than enough to go around for the children of our countries hereos. God bless and tell your father that I pray for him and his brothers and sisters in the military.

Answer 2

First things first, you will have to file a FAFSA. This form has become as simple as it gets and afterward will determine your expected dependence. Because of your marital status you will get more aid than if you were still a dependent, however you will still have to use your parents income because it is for the previous taxable year. Although their income would pretty much eliminate any free aid you might get, the military issue is a clutch addition. Basically the fafsa follows an equation that determines how much you(or your parents) should expect to pay for your education. This usually comes out to about 1/3 of the actual costs, but can increase based upon circumstances. Whatever federal aid does not cover can be made up for in various grants and subsidized loans. Both of which you are automatically signed up for when filling out the fafsa. It seems dounting, however it is extremely easy. I was able to pay for my entire 5 years of school with only taking out 4,400 in loans through financial aid (22,000 a year). So just start filling it out, and then sign up for Fastweb.com(org) I don't remember and they compile a list of available scolarships and grants that are so easy to get they might as well just say free money. Good luck.

Answer 3

I am a 68yr. old military retiree. But it seems that there may be an avenue of approach, if your fathers disability is militarily connected, through the Veterans Administration. There could be, if you were attending University before the injury, qualified under Veterans dependents assistance. Now the married part may pose a catch 22. It would be worth the effort. Government wheels move slowly but they move. I have known some in your,near like, circumstances that have received a stipend which helped them out immensely. At least it helped put a roof over their heads. Everything to gain and nothing to lose. Don't let the paper work get you down. Sometimes that can be most discouraging.

Answer 4

I had a similar experience when I started college, so I hope the following points will help:
1. I think you will have to put your parent''s information down because financial aid calcualtions are based on the previous tax year. There may, however, be a marriage clause, so be sure to mention the change in your status.
2. Have you considered applying for grants? I ask only because a lot of people go directly to financial aid and never apply for grants. There are many types of grants available and eligibilty may be dependent upon how many hours you are taking and your GPA. However, you never have to pay grants back. I graduated in 4 years and used grant assistance the entire time.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I don't know about financial aid in NYC, but in Cali, you max out federally around $20,000 in loans per year for graduate school no matter what, and you can get private loans on top of that. I think it will be easy to get student loans, but don't expect many scholarships or grants that you don't have to pay back based on need. If you need loans for school, the government and private banks are usually happy to pass out funds, just watch to make sure your payments don't end up too high at the end. I'm gonna owe over 800 a month when I finish school! AGH! Also, speak to the financial aid counselors at your school, and search online for scholarship opportunities... you'd be suprised by what is out there. Best of Luck!

Answer 6

I am 24. I make no money and I didnt get a drop of financial aid. You are considered dependant until you are 24. Thats the rule. I didnt make it. Although I am not sure who you are dependant upon since you are married. Basically you have to be single, 24, and have lots of babies to get some help. And it always goes by your last years tax return. So if you are on your parents, you wont get much unless they make no money. Best idea is go to a community college for your basics. Its the same class. And then follow up anywhere you want and take out loans.

Answer 7

no rely what, you're seen self sustaining at age 24. the ingredient is that the 2nd a guy or woman turns 24, their dad and mom have the permission to now no longer financially help their babies. In family members, you placed a million even once you reside with your dad and mom.

Answer 8

Definitely do FAFSA, and if you don't get enough aid, you can talk to your school's financial aid office about your extreme circumstances and they should be able to help you. Or save time and ask them now.

Answer 9

www.daylon.com/scholarship/

that might help