How pay for college when they are so expensive????

United States
March 17, 2008 8:28pm CST
Hi everyone, i want to know different ways or programs that can help to pay for college in United State or in another country. For example here in United State I have a few friends that get the money from financial aid, (you know the government pay for it) But when they apply for first time they were asked to show their parents taxes, that is the way it works i think ( the money come from the taxes). Actually i am paying for college but soon i will need help to pay it. So i want to know how can i get financial aid or other stuff like that without giving taxes, because my stepfather is so hater that doesn't wanna give me his taxes or help me with it. And don't want to do to pay for college this coming semester. Thank for all the helps you can give.
1 person likes this
2 responses
quiltedblessings
@quiltedblessings (1066)
• United States
18 Mar 08
They only want your parents tax info if you are still living at home and your parents still claim you on their taxes. If you live on your own and pay for your own everything, then they only ask for your personal income information. My husband is 30 and is currently in college. For his financial aid, he does not need to report his parents info, because he has his own family (wife and kids) and hasn't lived with his parents since he joined the Army at the age of 17.
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jess368
@jess368 (3368)
• United States
18 Mar 08
This is true, except if you are single, with no kids, and under 25 years old. You still need there information. I have tried to get around it, and I have not been able to because I dont meet that criteria.
1 person likes this
quiltedblessings
@quiltedblessings (1066)
• United States
18 Mar 08
Apparently not if you are under 25. I was not aware of this one... If your grades are good, the financial office at your college could help you find scholarships that you qualify for through the private sector.
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keuddy123
@keuddy123 (39)
• United States
18 Mar 08
i still live with my stepfather, but he doesn't claim me on his taxes. Do you think this make any difference, i mean if i can apply for Financial Aid with my own taxes because he doesn't claim me.
jess368
@jess368 (3368)
• United States
18 Mar 08
Until your married, or over the age of 25 you need to use your parents last years tax information if you wish to receive government financial aid (FAFSA) Otherwise there are many scholarships available. EX: FastWeb.com That gives many different types of scholarships! Also many restaurants give scholarships just for submitting an application. Dominos, Denny's, and many other places. There are many options out there. Good luck!
1 person likes this
keuddy123
@keuddy123 (39)
• United States
18 Mar 08
Jess368 Thank you for the info. I will visit that page to see if i qualify for one scholarship or something. But once again thank you.
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jess368
@jess368 (3368)
• United States
18 Mar 08
www.college-scholarships.com www.scholarships.com here are two more websites. I have not used the first one, But I have used the second one, as well as fastweb! Good luck on getting money. You can also go to the financial aid office at your school. They have many scholarship opportunities, but you have to ask for them!