Am I going to be eligible for any college grants?

Published February 1, 2011

Question by see more glass: Am I going to be eligible for any college grants?
I feel like I’m completely in the dark about this and don’t even know where to start. My step-dad makes about 100 grand a year, and his income is what I have to put down on FAFSA and such. But the thing is, my mom and step dad aren’t helping me out with college at all. Not a penny. And I was an idiot in high school…my GPA was a one point something and I dropped out. Now I’m working towards getting my GED and going to a community college this fall for addiction recovery counseling. I’ve done a little bit of research, but it seems like everything out there as far as grants go are either based off parents’ income or academic acheivment.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I want to be able to go to school more than almost anything I’ve ever wanted. I just don’t see it being possible without getting some help or a ridiculously high interest loan. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by luda
Financial aid will only pay for college credit courses- classes that go towards a degree or certificate. So you won’t get any aid for your GED classes. But once you’re ready to start college classes, definitely fill out the FAFSA and contact your financial aid office to see if they need anymore information or paperwork from you so they can complete your file and award you.

Unfortunately, aid is based off of your collective income, meaning yours and your parents. Until you’re either 24, married, have a child or join the military, you’ll be considered a dependent student and will have to use your parent’s tax information on your FAFSA.

Check with your financial aid office about completing a special circumstance form, in which you can explain your situation and possibly get your aid reevaluated.

Congrats on your decision to go back to school! Maybe once you prove to your parents you are serious about college, and complete your GED classes, they’ll chip in for college classes.

Good luck.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!