<p>My question is, what if a student in college is independent? Perhaps his or her parents are not deceased, but do not wish to provide for the student anymore. How would the student file for financial aid?</p>
<p>In general, the student needs to be age 24 in order to be viewed as independent. </p>
<p>My personal opinion is that it part of a national agenda to push young people who do not have parental support into the military, as that is the one sure way to independence and college financing. That is, the government figures that if your parents aren’t supporting you at age 19 or 20, they’d rather have you in the military than help you go to college.</p>
<p>You are only independent for financial aid purposes if you meet at least one of these qualifications:</p>
<p>over the age of 24
have a child and provide more than 50% of the support of said child
veteran of military service
already have a bachelor’s degree
married
both parents are deceased
special circumstances – this does not apply just because parents are unwilling to pay. special circumstances refer to legal status where parents are living but not expected to support the child. Examples are: both parents incarcerated, child is in foster care, etc.</p>
<p>calmom – I never thought of that – but it makes perfect sense. I know a number of kids who are considering the military because of financial reasons.</p>
<p>A friend’s kid got turned down by Westpoint (and accepted into a number of good schools that are affordable). He talked with Westpoint and they told him that he ought to just join the Army and then apply for Westpoint again next year – it would give him a better chance of being accepted. I thought the advice was flat wrong – unit commanders have to recommend soldiers for Westpoint and they don’t always like to do that and lose their good soldiers – and very few soldiers are sent to Westpoint. I felt there was certainly a big difference between just joining the Army and attending a military academy – but no one listens to me :)</p>
<p>unless there is another reason that fits under special circumstances (which you should ask your financial aid about) you would remain dependent.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Sorry…this will not qualify this student for independent status. Simply put…I’ve paid 5 years worth of private school college tuition, and I certainly WISH I could just say I do not wish to do so anymore. But that wouldn’t matter at all. My income (and DH’s) will still be required for my undergrad daughter. Those are the rules. Otherwise I would think MOST parents would simply say “I don’t want to provide for my student anymore.” That isn’t the way the system works, nor should it be.</p>
<p>u can always get a loan, right?!</p>
<p>students generally can get unsubsidized student loans – but that only covers about $3000. Otherwise, most loans will require good credit or a co-signer. Plus – who wants that kind of debt.</p>