Dear Roadie,
I hate to do it, but I’m dropping out of college until I turn 24. I can’t get any FAFSA aid because my parents refuse to sign, and I can’t get aid as an adult unless I’m 24. My school will not take any loans from any entity but FAFSA and I’m paying all my bills myself — $1,500/month in rent, car insurance, etc. I make $18/hr and work full time, but at this rate, I can only afford one class at a time. I will come back in three years once I’m 24 and hope I can get some FAFSA aid.
— A Temporary College Dropout
Dear Temporary College Dropout,
This is a tough spot to be in, and it’s clear you’ve been putting in serious effort. Dropping out might feel like your only option, but let’s explore a few ideas that might help you keep moving forward without pausing your education for three years.
First, it’s important to understand how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) works and why your options are limited if your parents refuse to sign.
FAFSA assumes that every student is dependent unless they are at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year, which makes a student independent for federal financial aid purposes.
Other criteria include being married, an orphan, an emancipated minor, having legal dependents, or what’s referred to as unusual circumstances. The latter means you live in an abusive family environment, you’ve been abandoned by your parents, or both of your parents are incarcerated, hospitalized, or institutionalized.
If your parents refuse to fill out the FAFSA, you may only be eligible for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, meaning you can still access some federal student aid, but not other types of grants or need-based aid. Without your parents’ information on the FAFSA, you typically cannot qualify for most federal financial aid like Pell Grants or subsidized loans. You will need to indicate on the FAFSA that your parents are unwilling to provide information. If this is the case, I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to contact your college’s financial aid office to discuss further options.
Here’s why: In extreme situations, you might be able to request a “dependency override” from your college financial aid office if there are compelling reasons why your parents cannot provide support, such as abuse or estrangement. Colleges sometimes grant a “dependency override” for students who can’t get parental financial information. This isn’t easy to qualify for, but if your situation meets the criteria (like parental refusal to provide financial support), it could make you eligible for aid. Talk to your school’s financial aid office about applying for one—they’ve seen it all and might have solutions you haven’t considered yet.
You also may want to check out your community college options. Since your school only accepts FAFSA loans, consider transferring temporarily to a community college that might have more flexible programs and payment options. Community colleges are often more affordable, offer night-time and even online classes, and still allow you to accumulate transferable credits while working toward your degree.
Online programs in general (not just those offered by community colleges) may be worth considering, too. Some online degree programs are more affordable and flexible than traditional ones. They often allow you to balance work and study better, and some might offer financial aid that’s not tied to FAFSA.
Seek Tuition Assistance Elsewhere
Other possibilities include searching for aid in nontraditional places. Does your place of employment provide tuition assistance, for example? Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs or scholarships. If you’re already working full-time, check if your company has education benefits. And if not, it might be worth exploring jobs at companies that do—many large employers, like Starbucks, Chik-Fil-A, and Amazon, provide education perks for employees.
The interest rates are usually higher than federal loans unless your income and credit score are stellar, but there are also countless private scholarships out there, and many don’t require parental information. Websites like Scholarships.com can help you find opportunities based on your background, interests, and work experience. Every dollar counts!
As A Last Resort, Save Smart While You Wait
If you decide to pause school, set up a solid financial plan to save as much as possible for your future education. Use tools like budgeting apps to track expenses and consider moving to a cheaper housing situation if possible. Every bit you save now will make a big difference later.
Dropping out doesn’t have to mean dropping your dreams. With a little creative problem-solving and persistence, you can stay on track toward your goals. You’ve already proven you’re resilient and hardworking—now it’s about finding the right path forward. Keep your head up; you’ve got this!
_______
Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
👉 Looking for expert help on the road to college? See our Preferred Partner List!
Other Articles You Might Like:
FAFSA Independent Student Guide: Challenges, Benefits, Criteria, How to Decide, How to File
Dear Roadie: My Son Wants to Get Married for More Financial Aid. Bad Idea, Right?
Dear Roadie: Is It Wrong Not to Pay My Son’s College Tuition If I Make $500,000 a Year?
JOIN ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS & CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS:
