How can I emancipate myself for FAFSA purposes?

Question

I am 21 years old and financially independent. My parents do not support me. However, according to the FAFSA I am required to submit their information in order to apply for federal financial aid. This will severely limit the aid I can receive as my parents have a significantly higher income than I do. However, since i am not a minor, I cannot legally emancipate myself. What are my options?

Answer 1

You can't emancipate yourself, as you have already stated.  

Your only option is to list your parents information on the fafsa.  Their income being "higher than yours" will not keep you from getting financial aid. Anyone can get financial aid in the form of federal student loans and all students under 24 have to list the folks info if they are not married and don't have kids.  

Listing their info isn't limiting your aid.  If you don't fill out the fafsa you wont get anything!

Answer 2

Emancipation is often misunderstood.  It does not affect federal student aid in anyway, shape or form.

You are considered a 'dependent' for education purposes until you 24 or can answer yes to the date of birth dependency question on the FAFSA.

Yes, having parents with a higher income can limit the grants you might qualify for, however, being independent can also be a detriment when it comes to grants.

Title IV funding was designed to help lower income families get a college education.  At no time was it ever intended to pay for the entire education.  The guidelines have not been changed for over 40 years.  Family incomes continue to grow, so, the formula used tends to seem unfair.

Your options at this point are to take advantage of other federal aid: stafford loan funding, taking fewer classes and paying cash or combining cash payments with Stafford loans.

You will still have to complete the FAFSA to use Stafford loans.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

To be honest, wait until you turn 24 or join the military, or get married or show that you provide more than half support for a dependent to be considered independent.  

In addition, being independent does not mean you will be eligible for pell. When you are considered an independent person, the government will see that you can contribute more to your education which means you may not be eligible for pell grant.

Answer 4

First, contact your financial aid office. They can make exceptions. But you'll need to file the FAFSA. (Ask your school for a "Dependency Review Form.")

Your other choices are:

to be 24 year of age or older;

be married;

be a grad or prof. student

have children who receive more than half of their support form you;

have dependents other than your children or spouse who live with you;

be an orphan or ward of the state;

be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces.