If you're not a homeowner or you have very poor credit, consider debt relief instead of a mortgage.

1) Type of debt:

Credit Card Debt
Student Loan Debt
Tax Debt
Other Debt

2) What State do you live in?

 
Your Profile:     Campus • Bachelor's Degree • Traditional • Full Time     (change your profile)

Financial Changes

You may have just completed your first Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Remember that if you plan to continue receiving financial aid, whether in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, or any combination of these, you'll need to complete a renewal FAFSA for each year you're in school.

Dependent/Independent Status
Your eligibility for financial aid begins with your status as a dependent or independent student. Dependents must include their own and their parents' or guardians' information; independent students are required to provide only their own information, unless they are married, in which case they must also include their spouse's information.

The US Department of Education stands by strict guidelines in defining students as dependent or independent. As an undergraduate student, unless you are 24-years-old, you will only claim independent status if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are married
  • You have a child or other dependent who receives more than half their support from you
  • You are a veteran
  • You are or were an orphan or ward of the court

Even if you receive no financial assistance from your family, you will be required to include their financial information unless one you meet one of the above criteria.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Information you include on the FAFSA is used to calculate how much you and/or your family are expected to contribute toward your educational expenses. Whether your family actually contributes this amount does not affect your eligibility for need-based aid. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the cost to attend your school or Cost of Attendance (COA) are used to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Keeping Information Current
Keeping your FAFSA information current is very important. If, in the midst of an academic year, your financial circumstances, status, or asset information changes, you should contact your financial aid office right away. Such changes might include the loss of a job, your parent's loss of a job, or marriage. Keeping information current can ensure you receive the most accurate financial aid package.