Do I need to show some legal proof that my Grandmother is my legal guardian when applying for college?

Question

I am 17 so I do need a legal guardian

Answer 1

Tuition and financial aid for college are real tricky.  Even persons who are of age, not living with any parent, are asked to give financial records of the parents until they are 25, I think it is.  Makes no sense to me...I have NO legal obligation for financing college for my kids, and don't believe they have a right to my personal records.

To my knowledge, grandma isn't a legal guardian unless your parents have actually signed documents to appoint her as such. Living with her is not the same thing.  You would need a document to claim her as such.. and if she does not have custody, she won't qualify.

As for actual resident of the state.. if you ACTUALLY live in the state, ie pay rent, driver's license there, so forth.. you are a resident of the state.  What the STATE recognizes is a separate thing from what the COLLEGE accepts for showing proof of residency.  

I think you are confused about being required to have a parent or guardian until age 23.  The college's criteria is based on their standards.

If you did move to the state, solely for the purpose of going to college, then they probably will still consider you as out of state.  

Answer 2

Only if they ask for it. By the time you get to college you'll be 18 anyway. And then,  since you'll be an adult, you'll be legally bound for any documents you sign.

Answer 3

You don't need to show guardianship papers.  If your grandmother is claiming you as a dependent on her tax return, that's what you have to submit when applying for financial aid and when submitting your application to the college.

Answer 4

If you are 18 or over, you have no legal guardian.

Since they require a parent or guardian, you would need legal proof that your Grandmother is your legal guardian.

It sounds like you are going to a different state for school and want to use your grandmother to avoid out of state tuition. You also want to check on the residency requirements. Most states will need you to show proof the YOU have lived in the state for at least a year. Just because your grandmother lives in the state is not enough.