Help me get money! (Pell grants, etc.)

Factual Questions
1

So… I can’t get federal money. My parents make too much money, apparently. The problem is that I don’t live with them, and they don’t contribute at all to my college-icity. However, financial aid tells me that I have to be 24 or have a degree before I can be considered independent for FAFSA purposes. Any way around this?

Also, I know there’s money available for first-generation college students… but I forgot where that money is. And I needed to make sure that the definition of “first-generation college student” is that neither parent has a college degree… because my mom never finished college, and my stepdad has a degree. But I don’t know who my biological dad is, so there’s no proving whether or not he had one. (My birth certificate doesn’t even list a father.)

2

Um, goto the financial aid office at your college, or any college for that matter.

Do your parents claim you as a dependant?

3

I already have. What they told me is in my post.

And yes, they claim me, but they’re willing to stop if I can get money so I don’t have to nag them for something they won’t give me.

4

I don’t know what size university you’re at, but especially if it’s a fairly big one, find out who your specific financial aid counselor is and make an appointment to sit down and talk with them. The people at the desk when you walk in the door are dealing with large volumes of students coming in and saying “how can I get more financial aid?” and giving them the usual answer.

Go through the financial aid web site at your university and see if they list any scholarships that you qualify for. Apply for them. Also, Fastweb is a free scholarship search service that you can use - put in your details, even things that seem insignificant, because there might be a scholarship for it. What you find there, though, is that you get a scholarship and the financial aid office reduces your need-based aid by that amount, typically.

Does the company either of your parents works for offer any scholarships for children/stepchildren? It may not be much, but it’s something.

You may be able to get more in unsubsidized staffords - but without knowing your specific circumstances, I can’t say. Plus, IANA Financial Aid Counselor, so I really can’t say, even if I looked at your tax returns.

You can also look at external loans. Sallie Mae has them - but I don’t how they work for undergrads, just for grad students.