Having low income, and still not qualifying for grants?

Question

My boyfriend is 27, works full time, made about $17,000 last year, lives with his family and didn't receive any grants (just loans: 1 unsubsidized and 1 subsidized which equaled around $8,000 for the whole year) when applying to a private art school.

When filling out his FAFSA form we put him as living "with parent"...does this make a big difference or is his income too high for grants even though he is independent and actually below the ceiling of a single independent person who should qualify for grants (I believe its $28,000)?

I'm just a little confused since I made about $9,000-$10,000 last year, attending the same school, also independent, living with my parents and I got offered WAY more than he did (grants and federal loans). Maybe will filled out his FAFSA wrong?

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks. :)

Answer 1

one question: how were you independent if you're living with your parents? i don't think that's the same thing.

when you live with your parents it depends on how much money they're making. financial aid offices is assuming you dont need to pay bills, rent or food money (cos your parents help you out) so they pay you for tuition, books, and commuting.

if his parents earn then he wont be considered as low-income. one way to get around is a letter from his parents saying they refuse to fund his living expenses but he will live without rent. this way the school may consider and add in money for food and stuff for the year.

one last thing: if this doesn't work you should appeal. but make sure you have a detailed budget planned out so you can show exactly why you think that's not enough money. don't forget that they dont care about your lifestyle and entertainment, it's only the basics: bills, rent, travelling, tuition of course, books and supplies, money for food.

Answer 2

$17,000 is considered enough to get you through the year. Don't worry- I make next to nothing, and my Mom can't afford a dime towards school... I got just over $7,000 for the year! I don't know why he didn't get ANY loans, but it could be his age. There are a lot of budget cuts and the economy is low. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm gonna make it through the year. If anything, talk directly to your financial aid office... maybe they can offer some insight. I really wonder how FAFSA works. I barely got enough money for the semester, yet a girl I know who is very well off got a full ride to any college she wants. Crazy, huh?

Answer 3

I don't know where you got your information about the 28K "ceiling" for grants, but for federal grants it is wrong.  There is no magic number that excludes or includes someone for grants that I know of and i've been in the business for 10 years.  

My insight to you and bf is this: 17,000 isn't really low income for a single person, honestly.  And remember, you earning only 9,000 is HALF as much as what he earned.  Big Difference!  Sorry.  Listing he lives at home or on campus or off campus isn't going to make him eligible for more or less or even any grants.  FAFSA is not based on that, it is looking at income and assets.