Financial Aid - I am 19.  Can I get financial aid for college if I get emancipated?

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Question

I  am 19 years of age.  I would like to attend college, but I am required to be emancipated from my parents in order to receive financial aid for my education.  What steps must I take to achieve this?  I am currently working 2 jobs, and my parents have agreed to no longer claim me on their taxes.

Answer

You are legally emancipated because you are now 18.  Unfortunately, emancipation has very little to do with the requirements imposed by a university for financial aid.  Almost all schools must consider the income of the parents until the student reaches the age of 24 when considering eligibility for financial aid for the student.  This is how the federal government calculates need, and loans are governed by the federal requirements.

You should contact the financial aid office at your university for advice about their qualifications.  Sometimes they may be able to provide some aid other than loans for a person in your circumstances.  In any event, they are the experts in this area and the ones to ask.

08/2000

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Last Updated 9-9-00

Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161 E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov