Ok so i live with my boyfriend of 4 years we lived together for 2.I dropped out of highschool and recieved my g.e.d. now I want to go to college.But the catch is I dont have money and i am in debt,just a little.Financial aid wont let me get anything because they said some stuff of where I need to be 24 or be married to qualify.You guys are probably thinking use your parents, but my parents cut me off when I was 15 years old. So i dont know what to do,everything i need you need a cosigner.I dont know what to do.I just want to go to college.
2007-10-29 10:04:14 · 8 answers · asked by Kay 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Financial Aid
I think someone has misinformed you. I've never heard of having to be 24 or married in order to qualify for financial aid. I applied for and received a Federal Pell Grant when I was 19 and living on my own. I attended a Technical College at the time, and this grant covered the cost of tuition and books, with a little extra money to spare (which I used for gas and other school supplies).
The Pell Grant is a form of need-based financial aid (meaning it's for those in the low income bracket) and does not have to ever be repaid. When speaking to your financial aid counselors or filling out applications for aid, I probably wouldn't place unnecessary emphasis on the fact that you live with your boyfriend. I would treat him as a roommate who pays half of your monthly expenses. You can find out more information here http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/scholarships-and-aid/36318.html
And, you can apply online here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or in your school's financial aid office. Tell them you want to apply for a Federal Pell Grant. If you apply online, you'll need your desired school's Federal School code. If you don't know it, you can search for it here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/FSLookupServlet
Another idea: does your state have a lottery? Our state does and offers a Lottery Tuition Assistance Program. So, that might be something to check on if your state does.
Good luck, and don't ever give up your dream of going to college!
2007-11-01 20:12:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems strange that you are required to be 24 to get financial aid, especially when you're considered a legal adult at 18. Make sure that's exactly what the rule is, check with someone with authority (not just the person who picks up the phone), you might get a different answer.
If that doesn't work, perhaps consider getting married, just a legal marriage (sign some papers, go to a Justice of the Peace, pay a small fee). If you think you and your bf are ready for that step, consider it an option.
Otherwise, all I can think of is that both just save up for college and get a money-saving plan set up. Or look to see if you qualify for any scholarships. Talk to the financial office, they should be able to help you do this. It's not too uncommon to see people who need financial help in your situation, so I think you still have a chance.
2007-10-29 17:14:55 · answer #2 · answered by Mee 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Disregard the "advice" to get married to qualify. There is financial aid available for people who are not married and under 24. I admire your desire to better yourself. Keep searching. Help is out there. Try contacting a social agency like United Way to see if they can help get you going in the right direction. Good luck.
2007-10-29 17:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by Otto 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
even if your parents cut you off, you can still use their financial info to apply for FAFSA. if they are separated, use the parent with the lowest income. my friend did this to go to college. his mom only made like $20K a year and he got a grant that covered 90% of his tuition at ohio state.
2007-10-30 02:32:49 · answer #4 · answered by Jbonz10 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will need student loans or lots of scholarships, it's gonna be hard either way and I would deff. plan on going to communtiy college till your prerequs are done. I'm doing that just to save my parents money. Work study is another way to go, talk to universities and see what they can do.
2007-10-29 17:13:31 · answer #5 · answered by Nate 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You need to be declared emancipated from your parents. Then you will be able to qualify for student loans. See if you can find a legal aid service in your town or talk to someone at a law school for legal help in this matter.
Depending on your income you may even qualify for grants. I'm surprised you were able to get your GED so soon. I had to wait until I was at least 21.
2007-10-29 17:14:21 · answer #6 · answered by Lola 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
scholarships,, get a job,, you can work full time and go to school in the evening,, you can go to a community college,, they will help you a lot,,
2007-10-29 20:17:29 · answer #7 · answered by Unique 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Part time job and community college
2007-10-29 17:12:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋