Taking Love a Step Further

Paying for College
1

<p>I have tried to write this twice, and the page has asked me to log in both times so forgive me for giving you the short version instead of the long version.</p>

<p>Me: 25, second year undergrad majoring in Computer Science, minoring in Business, 3.48 GPA.
Her: 22, just accepted into college, applied to Nursing program for Nursing degree.</p>

<p>Dating for 2 years 1 month.
Living together for 6 months.
Very much in love, talked about marrying after college was over.
Share lease, split bills, share financial information (we are not even close to being middle-class wealthy), beaten a couple major arguments that have made our relationship stronger.</p>

<p>FAFSA came back with status as dependent.
Mother is refusing to provide information.
Father is not in the picture.</p>

<p>College financial aid department stated she would only receive subsidized loan if applying without parental information.</p>

<p>That’s the information that is presently pertinent to this discussion. If anything else arises, I would be happy to share more.</p>

<p>Our options are limited and our time is running out. We have considered getting married a few years ahead of schedule and this would enable her to apply as an independent for the fall semester. </p>

<p>What are your thoughts and opinions. I am willing to give as much detail as required to come down to a decision (as long as it is before August 1st).</p>

<p>Lets hear it.</p>

2

<p>Did she already file FAFSA? If so, she can’t change her status from single to married for the current FAFSA.</p>

<p>FYI Without parent information, I beleve she would only be eligible for unsubsidized loans, not subsidized ones.</p>

3

<p>She has not yet filed the FAFSA. I believe there is still some leeway in terms of deadlines (my first semester, I had filed in August and got aid in November - have been diligent about deadlines ever since).</p>

<p>And you are correct, it is unsubsidized, not subsidized.</p>

4

<p>Go together to the financial aid office, and discuss the pros and cons of marrying earlier than planned with the head of that office. You need to run this by someone who can help you check out various different scenarios. Marrying may help her out, but could completely mess up your aid package. You need to find the option that will produce the best result overall.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>