My fafsa efc is 8700. My friend makes more money than me a year and is eligible for aid b/c she has a kid.?

I kept applying for aid before and my parents made to much money yet I didn't live with them and wasn't supported by them. They said I can get it when I'm 24.. well I'm 24 now and I call the FAFSA people to find out why I'm not eligible and now the excuse is that I don't have a kid. So because I am responsible and have a job I can't get help for college. Is there anything I can do? Is there anyone that sets the law I can write to.. ANYONE that can do anything about this. It's ridiculous I do things "right" in life and can get no help.

My fafsa efc is 8700. My friend makes more money than me a year and is eligible for aid b/c she has a kid.?
Sure - write you Congressman.





In the mean time...try to be constructive.





Are you going to community college and working, too? That's only a couple classes and they are CHEAP. Plus you can get government loans if needed.





Will you be quitting your job and going to school full time? Great - your EFC for next year will be -0-. Plus, the financial aid department will work with you as soon as you refile your FAFSA.





I can't believe you are complaining about not being poor %26amp; saddled with parental responsibility. Really!
Reply:this is the most rediculous thing ever in my opinion too. im 20 and i havent lived with my mom in almost 3 years adni cant get fafsa, because i have to file with her and she makes too much money, even tho she lives in a different state, it dont matter. but since you are 24, they just go by your income and if they say its too much, they wont budge, i have tried everything!! i was just gunna wait till i turned 24, then reapply, but now this dont give me much to look forward to, it sucks tryin to better yourself and no one can see it because they think we can make it payin all the bills we have, plus tuition on minimum wage jobs!! it sucks but you cant change there brackets on income
Reply:Those who do best are those who help themselves. I know it's hard to swallow, but let me explain something.





First of all, you are eligible for "aid" no matter what your income is. Federal student loans, sometimes called subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans don't rely on income to get and are an excellent way to pay for your education with very low interest rates. You also don't have to start paying on them until after you graduate. What a DEAL!
Reply:I was in the same boat. You're not going to get any grants but you should be able to qualify for a Stafford loan.
Reply:First let me say this I truly understand what you're talking about and Im in the same boat . Im not happy for you but Im happy to hear that you are going threw it at 24 and I see what you still have to go threw. I thought when im 24 i would be better off. Looking at your case I see I wont.





Basically theres only 3 ways to get money no matter what age you are.





1. Military then you're probably going to Iraq


2. Have a child but then thats an extra mouth to feed so really it doesnt work out in your favor


3. Be married-some people ive seen do contract marriages with some1 in the military. They get payed extra and you get school money plus benefits.


4. Fix your credit and take out your loan in your name w/out a cosigner


5. Ask someone if you can claim their child as ur to get the school money


6. loans


7. internship


8. go to a 2 yr community college bc its cheaper ( thats what Im doing)


9. work at job that has tuition reimbursement


10 . over seas studys


my efc is 2900 and they only gave me 2700 for the YEAR!





Basically Ive learned that you have to have a story to tell the govenment so you can get govt money.





What I am doing is fixin my credits, taking one credit at a time and saving.





Theres not much you can do.