How to analyze my situation with parents and college

[RookieCollegeMom]

I also don’t see how you are going to work 2 jobs and go to school full (or even part) time. College won’t be the “once in a lifetime experience you” you are envisioning/mentioned upthread. And, you getting those 2 jobs and getting the number of shifts when they fit into your schedule is not guaranteed.

Real life is not always as simple as it sounds or always go as planned.

As others have asked, how do your parents figure into your plans/future? Do you have healthcare and will you be able to stay on if you blow up your relationship with your parents? Do you have a car - and the funds to maintain it, pay for insurance, etc? Outside of tuition and room/board, you will need money for books, clothes, medicine, food, school supplies, etc.

I don’t want to discourage, but am hoping you are realistic.

Keep us posted - we are all rooting for you.

[circuitrider]

Wow.

[circuitrider]

Okay, you probably haven’t been on College Confidential long enough to be able use the private message option. All I’m saying is be careful.

[nathan0707]

I’m confused with your warning. Did I say anything senstitive?

[MYOS1634]

I understand you looked at today’s tuition but I was being cautious because you mentioned your friends did it back in the day so it seemed possible to you - things have changed since the late 80s/early90s wrt the way young adults can pay for college.

@nathan0707

I asked my parents that if I go to church and don’t date would they be able to help pay for college

That’s a great first step.

[nathan0707]

Oh okay thank you!

[MYOS1634]

I mentioned it because it seemed like THE sticky point for OPs parents in addition to the cost of college (which others had addressed).

Yes, clarified.

[circuitrider]

My spidey sense is telling me it’s time for me to disengage. If you really need more crowdsourcing, you might try reddit.

[Mwfan1921]

@Sweetgum

you can if you are living and supporting yourself and at risk for homelessness,

OP will need at least one third party to attest to this…school counselor, attorney, clergy etc. It can be difficult to find a college to buy off on this. Not to mention, at many schools (don’t know about TAMU) the only financial difference is that OP would be able to take out $4K more in federal student loans each year.

[Sweetgum]

@Mwfan1921

OP will need at least one third party to attest to this…school counselor, attorney, clergy etc.

That’s not what it says. It sounds like it is up to the college the way I read it:

@Sweetgum

If you don’t have a determination from an individual at an eligible agency, the financial aid office at your college or career school is required to make a determination of your status based on a written statement from you or a documented interview with you.

Still think finding a compromise with the parents is the ideal situation.

[Mwfan1921]

@Sweetgum

It sounds like it is up to the college the way I read it:

Correct, it’s a school level decision. IME most schools will require third party attestation and often from more than one person. It is really difficult. I have helped a number of students thru this process and it’s really hit or miss in terms of success. And often the student gains little in terms of greater financial aid from the colleges if granted independent FAFSA status. They can potentially gain greater federal aid though including full/partial Pell grant and the additional $4k per year in federal student loans.

[RookieCollegeMom]

@nathan0707 - any update to share?

[happy1]

Doesn’t look like the OP has been back to CC since March.

It is frustrating when posters don’t come back to complete their story, but that is their choice. Those who wish to share generally do so on their own.