08.18.07
Married students getting more aid?
If you’re planning on getting married, and you’re attending college, read this article from the Salt Lake Tribune!! It could save you a lot of money.
Married students might get more aid
Article Last Updated: 08/07/2007 01:18:07 AM MDT
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if(requestedWidth > 0){ document.getElementById(‘articleViewerGroup’).style.width = requestedWidth + “px“; document.getElementById(‘articleViewerGroup’).style.margin = “0px 0px 10px 10px“; } College students who plan to marry in the coming year might want to hold off on filing their applications for federal student aid.
Students can establish their financial independence through several means, and getting married is one of them. If students are independent, they don’t have to include their parents’ income on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, which may allow them to qualify for increased grants and subsidized loans.
However, in some cases, students benefit more if they claim their parents’ income, especially if the income levels are on the low end and the parents have several dependents or children in college, said John Curl, financial aid director at the University of Utah.
It’s important to know which will be more beneficial because marital status cannot be altered later on a form.
“If you file your FAFSA as single and then get married the next day, you’ll be considered single for the entire next year,” Curl said.
David Feitz, executive director of the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, recognizes that the situation is different for each student.
He recommends using the Expected Family Contribution Calculator found at www.uheaa.org to find out what status would benefit students most.
“So much relates to individual circumstances and the timing of it,” he said.
Curl also cautions students to do what is most financially prudent.
“If tuition is due in September, but you’re not getting married for three more months, it may be better to file as single, get the money and then file as independent the next year,” he said.
Married students getting more aid? | Student Loan Information said,
August 18, 2007 at 11:32 am
[...] Original post by moniqueleonard [...]
jeni said,
August 20, 2007 at 7:12 am
If your planning on married first you should ready to face so many financial problems
beth said,
August 21, 2008 at 9:21 pm
can you send some articles reharding on married students please beacause i will use it for our research study
moniqueleonard said,
August 22, 2008 at 8:48 am
Hi Beth,
What you see here is all I have, sorry! Though if you google around I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Becca said,
January 11, 2009 at 12:16 pm
HI. I’m planning on getting married this year. I’ll have just graduated from high school and will be 18. Does anyone know of any more money that i can get for getting married at 18?
moniqueleonard said,
January 13, 2009 at 7:49 am
HI Becca,
You will qualify for more aid because you’re married – being married qualifies you as an Independent Student, meaning your parent’s finances won’t be used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution. You’ll thus qualify for more Federal financial aid.
Also, do a lot of research on scholarships -they’re your best source of funding as you don’t have to pay the money back!
Becca said,
January 13, 2009 at 5:21 pm
ok but the man I’m marrying will be 18 also…he’s going into the air force so I’m not really sure if that will affect my FASFA at all…do you think I’ll get money from the government with him being enlisted?
moniqueleonard said,
January 14, 2009 at 9:03 am
If you’re already married, it will affect your FAFSA regardless who you’re married to. As an active duty member of the military, your spouse will also be considered independent, regardless of whether you’re married.
Now, you’ll have to report your and your spouses income on your FAFSA, including military living allowances. I HIGHLY recommend you download and read the free FAFSA Guide eBook from the Student Loan Network. The link is:
http://www.fafsaonline.com/fafsa-guide-ebook.php
It’s a very helpful guide to the FAFSA that goes through every question and breaks it down for you.
Now, an important question – are you married now, or are you getting married later this year? FAFSA data is supposed to be accurate as of NOW. So if you’re getting married in July, you have to list yourself as a dependent, include your parent’s data, get less aid now, and file an amendment in July. You’ll receive less financial aid.
Would you consider having a civil ceremony at town hall now, get that marriage certificate signed, and have the marriage party and reception later? Sure, it’s not as glamorous, but it’s been growing in popularity with military families over the past 4 or 5 years, and it will get you more money in financial aid. Just a thought.
Good luck to the both of you!