04.30.09 | FAFSA, Marrying for Love or Money?
I’ve heard of illegal immigrants marrying U.S. citizen so they could remain in the country, but marrying for a college education is a new one.
At the beginning of the month I ranted about how the FAFSA’s dependent status leaves many in the lurch. The magic number is 24 years of age to become an independent student and increase your financial aid allotment, unless you are serving actively in the military, are a veteran, working on a masters degree, are emancipated, or married. If you meet any of these conditions you are granted an independent status regardless of age.
According to an article published in the student-run newspaper The LumberJack one student tied the knot just so she could continue her education.
She explained that with the tightening credit market she was unable to secure a private loan despite her father co-signing. His excellent credit score and six figure salary were not enough. The problem was that he had too many co-signed debts between all his family members. Three daughters and his spouse are all in school.
So she decided to take the plunge for a couple of hundred dollars and is now eligible for thousands more in federal aid.
We want your opinion. Stupid or brilliant move?
The FAFSA blog is sponsored in part by:
Five most recent FAFSA form help blog posts:
The Student Loan Help blog is sponsored in part by:
