Momupset

My Daughter graduated college in 2011 (in Maine), has be living and working in Florida since Sept 2011, she has claimed herself on tax return and has supported herself for 2yrs. She has decided to change her career and needs to go back to school. Looking to go to Community College for associates agree, on fafsa it is making her use her parents information. We have helped her pay for school once and don't have the money to do so again. I don't understand why she can't get help on her own. On fafsa in parents info it asks number in household who have received over half of suppose for year and how many will attend college, not sure how to answer because I don't support her. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

flyaround

Generally, parent's income will be considered until she is 24 or married or supporting her own child.

MommaJ

I know one of the more knowledgeable posters will eventually chime in here, but with respect to a second undergrad degree, I thought the only federal aid available was an unsubsidized loan (assuming the loan cap was not reached during the first college stint), which would be available regardless of her financial status.

kelsmom

My only words of wisdom would be for her to wait until she is 24 ... she has to be able to answer yes to one of the dependency questions in order to be considered independent. Age is probably the easiest for her to say yes to, once she reaches that magic age. It doesn't matter that she supports herself - she has to meet the criteria for an independent student.

If she were to go for a grad degree, she would be independent ...

emeraldkity4

So she is changing fields?
What was her undergrad degree in and what field does she want to enter?
She may be able to do so without taking two years of classes at the community college.

sybbie719

Her providing your information on the FAFSA only determines if she is eligible for federal aid. It does not in any way obligate you to pay for round 2 of college. Your discussion with her needs to be, that she is not considered an independent student. While you will submit your income and assets in order for her to apply for financial aid, you will not be paying in the event that she does not receive financial aid or has the money to put herself through school.

happymomof1

If she attends school part-time, she should be able to continue working full-time. As a FL resident, the in-state fees should be low enough that one or two classes a semester can be paid for out-of-pocket. That is what most people in her situation find themselves doing.