Thanks for sharing.

For information on what you should do to prepare for the GED Test and preparation programs in your area, call 877-37MYGED (877-376-9433.) You may also visit the American Council on Education website.

These are difficult situations. Current FAFSA rules require parental data be provided for students who do not meet the definition of an independent.

For 2008-09, Independent students are identified as:
The student…
* was born before January 1, 1985
* will be a graduate or professional student
* is married as of the date he applies
* has dependents other than a spouse is an orphan
* is or was until 18 a ward/dependent of the court
* is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
* is currently serving on active duty for purposes other than training

There are a limited number of circumstances where a college financial aid office has the authority to do a Dependency Override that will allow a Dependent student to be considered Independent for financial aid purposes. However, a parent refusing to provide information or assistance, parent not claiming the student for tax purposes, and the student demonstrating complete financial independence are situations not eligible for an override.

If the parent refuses to complete the FAFSA, it may be helpful to have the parent contact the financial aid office and verify that by completing the FAFSA, they are under no obligation to provide assistance nor are they held accountable for loans or college account balances in the student’s name.

Lee Andes
Assistant Director for Financial Aid

PEACE,
Shay Olivarria
President
Bigger Than Your Block

http://www.BiggerThanYourBlock.com

How simplification will ultimately be achieved is still to be determined; however, his website points to an even simpler federal process than Spellings (check off on the income tax form). There is still a great deal of discussion taking place to assess how changes at the federal level might affect the aid process at the state and/or institutional level.

Obama on Higher Ed
(http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/11/05/obama)

Obama position on education
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/

How do you think the recent Presidential elections with Obama in office will affect Secretary Spellings’ proposal and other forms of financial aid for students?

With the high cost of a college education, every little bit helps.

Yes, you may have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive student loans. For example, a completed FAFSA is required to apply for federal Stafford or Perkins Loans. And even though the unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available to all students regardless of financial need, students must still submit the federal form to be eligible.

Most private and alternative loans that are structured specifically for students do involve some FAFSA calculations, such as Cost of Attendance or Financial Need. Therefore, even private and alternative loans may require completion of the FAFSA. On the other hand, mixed-use loans, such as home equity loans or credit cards, are not considered education loans and do not require completion of a federal application.

We recommend that you contact your lender for specific application requirements, but the bottom line is that all students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA if they are considering applying for student loans.

- Lee Andes, State Council of Higher Education