Grad School Financial Aid

twoinanddone
Sat, 29 Jan 2022 22:01:01 +0000

I don’t think your daughter IS an independent student for FAFSA purposes. She doesn’t have a BA/BS. Is she 24, married, or in the military (or post military), etc.? There are very specific requirements to be able to file as an independent student.

My nephew had the opposite experience with his school (same school for BS/MS in engineering). He completed all the requirements for the BS but wanted the MS. The school told him not to apply to graduate, and since he wasn’t awarded the BS he was still a dependent student (not good for need based aid for him) but he was still an undergrad so was eligible for undergrad tuition rate, student loan at undergrad rate, any undergrad merit awards, and the state tuition grant (only for undergrads). At any time he wanted his BS degree, like if he decided not to go for the MS, all he had to do was apply for it and it would have been issued.

My daughter is a grad student. She has the benefits of that (priority registration, TA position). She is now a resident of that state so qualifies for instate tuition (she has to pay for the summer courses) but can apply for grants and scholarships. If she got a student loan it would be at the grad student rates (boo!). Hoping our very good pal Dick Cheney comes through with another study abroad award!