Do I have any options?

Question

I've been paying my own way through college and everything was going fine. Then I was laid off and now I cannot afford to pay tuition. I do not have anybody to help me. I've filled out FAFSA, but ran into problems with that seeing as how since I'm under 25, have no dependents, and am unmarried I am considered a dependent. I cannot use either parents info since my mom doesn't work and I don't know my dad. I filled out a Stafford loan but that wasn't approved because of the FAFSA situation. I've applied for a private loan but was rejected because I have no credit history. Is there anything else that I can do? I really want to be able to go back to school.

Answer 1

You can fill out the FAFSA form still, even though your mother wasn't working, and you do not have to enter your father's info if you do not have contact with him. Trust me, I had to do the same thing. You'll actually get more federal funding since your mother does not work because your EFC (expected family contribution) will be lower. They use the EFC to calculate how much funding you will actually receive.

Answer 2

I would ask to speak to the head of financial aid at your school.

Answer 3

Yes, you should still fill out the FAFSA as a dependent of your mother.  If you are not truly a dependent of her, go to the Financial Aid office and ask for a "Professional Judgment."  Do note that saying these two words are not magic (many students believe they are). The financial aid officer will assess whether you qualify or not (to be declared as an independent).

Also, see if you can locate a department on campus that deals with retention.  There are often scholarships for students who cannot afford to continue (once they are already there), but they have to *prove* hardship.  This varies from school to school, however (the larger the school, the more likely this will be - especially if it is a private school).

As someone who works in Financial Aid and has a side-business doing financial counseling, I would encourage you to *not* take out any (additional) loans. Going into debt for an education is not worth it. Either take a year off and work like mad to save up money to pay for it and/or transfer to another school who can offer you more aid and/or is cheaper to attend.  The fastest way to becoming wealthy (and having a prosperous life) is to get out of debt and stay out of debt.  Good luck.

Answer 4

this may be personal.. but .. if your 25 and still living at home... you can write the state explaining your situation -i had too since i turned 24 and im unemployed., but considered dependent.. my mom also doesnt worl.. ihad to explain how she still supports me.. i had to fax information stating she isnt filing taxes and the lil income she does get.. along side my tax info.. and i got aid

Answer 5

Well I am 20 years old and I going college which I fill FAFSA as dependent because I already had talk with financial aid in my college where I am going... But it is hard to fill out and make phone calls for little mistake and change something on FAFSA.. I suggest you talk to your school admission and financial aid and also still you have to write down your mother too which it is not mean FAFSA will take away moeny from you. Just put it in history so they will know and will give money to you.

Answer 6

Just because your mom doesn't work doesn't mean you can't fill out the fafsa.  lol  Her not working actually helps you.  You don't need your dads info, but if your mom is currently married, you will need your stepfathers info on your fafsa as well.  Good luck... what are you waiting for ?  They sometimes give you money!!