I'm 19 years old, on my own, cant get any financial help for school.?

Question

Because my parents make to much money (middle class)
I cant get help. I dont live at home support myself. FAFSA denied my grant because they dont consider you an adult untill age 24.
Any help????

Answer 1

Hey :-)

I'm 23 years old and have had the EXACT same problem. This is one issue with middle-class white America that isn't really touched on. If your family makes too much money - which could only be 75k (and in a big city or with a lot of kids that isn't exactly a lot), and FAFSA expects your family to provide all of the support. They give your family a number of "0" when referring to "Expected Family Contribution".

You basically have a few options....

1) Scholarships: Go online and start searching and applying for scholarships. You may not get them this semester, but they can add up and can make a difference. Every dollar adds up!!!!

2) Private Loans: In order to get a Private Loan, you will have to have a co-signer. 99% of people under the age of 25 need a co-signer when applying for student loans. That is just the way things work. Depending upon the school that you are going to will determine how much the place will loan you. Usually it is twice the cost of tuition (to cover books and housing) - but this can always vary.

3) Go to a Community College your two years - yesss, I know. Community Colleges aren't as special as universities. But they are CHEAP and you are getting THE SAME EDUCATION!!!! All people look for these days are a Bachelor's and a Master's - it doesn't matter where you did your first two years. And if you are trying to get away from family, go to a community college far away. Some schools are as cheap as 50 dollars a credit hour!!!

Hope this helps :-) If you have any questions feel free to ask.




P.S. Don't listen to "Beachbum" - FAFSA forms when referring to "Independent/Dependent" student are not under the same standards as when dealing with Tax Forms. The only ways you can claim independent are as follows:

1) you are 24 years of age or older
2) you are married or have a child
3) you are a veteran of the armed services

Otherwise, FAFSA requires that you are a "dependent" student as must use your familie's information. However, here is one tip. You don't HAVE to use both of your parents on the FAFSA form - you are only required to use one (unless your parents file a joint income tax). This might adjust the Earned Income in your favor.....Use the parent that makes the least money (if they are divorced).

Answer 2

BS. BS. You can, you just have to claim yourself as independent, meaning not in your parents household (tax reasons). Your parents can not claim you for you to get the financial aid you need. The "24" thing is wrong. You can be 18 and still get fin. aid. Your parents just can't claim you on their taxes. And in all honesty, if they are not going to help you with school...the one thing that can have the most positive effect on their daughter, than they should not claim you on their taxes which is benefiting them. Stand up for your self girl and never back down!

Answer 3

Join the Navy or Air force as something administrative like a mail clerk. It's an easy job, you get to travel and you get $36,000 for school from the GI Bill.

Answer 4

Maybe you could go part-time for now, and have a full-time job. Some employers will help out with tuition - see if yours does, or ask around - it might be worth changing jobs if there's one around who would help fund your schooling.

Good luck.

Answer 5

yes that sucks, try paying for 1 semester and then get a loan and try to reapply for financial aid again for the next semester.