The only way to get financial aid is to show less income and more dependents. Since you are not married, don’t show your boyfriend’s income. If you become a full time student, you will get more money. Being a full time student is considered a full time job. when I went to college, I applied for it and got $5000 a year which was more than enough to pay for all of my classes and books.

Sometimes you get rejected the first time, don’t loose hope. Apply again. Also get money out of your bank account and show only $200 in your savings account.

The FAFSA form is the official form to get a Pell Grant to attend college. Your unmarried status (without a government marriage certificate) will result in your parents’ income and savings be placed into the equation to qualify for the Pell Grant. Public marriages do not count unfortunately. Also, it does not matter that you do not live with your parents at age 23 either or for a number of years. In some cases, your parents’ income can disqualify you from receiving any Pell Grants and only qualify for student loans. The FAFSA form also takes into consideration your income and savings at a higher rate than your parents. You could also participate in the Federal work study program on campus which provides income. The other idea is to search for college scholarships to lessen the need for college scholarships. I will include some free resources to help you learn more about the Pell Grant and how to locate college scholarships. Good luck!

It doesn’t count unless you are legally married, but being married will NOT help you get grants. It will actually hinder you. In my experience I was not able to receive any grants untill I was legally independent from my parents. It doesn’t matter if you live with them or not (I moved out when I was 18). You are still considered their dependent if they are claiming you on their taxes. If they are not claiming you, you will have a better chance of getting grants. If they are claiming you, they can only do so untill you are 24 so then the grants will start rolling in. The first thing you need to do is complete a FASFA. They have a website and you can do it online now, www.FASFA.gov or .org. If you are not married don’t claim to be, you will get more grants if you are single or have children. After the FASFA, go to your school of choice and find out what financial aid forms they require you to fill out and then you just wait and see what happens.

Government grants are free and you don’t need to pay them back. However, they are very limited and are for the most underprivileged.

You can apply on-line for grants:

http://www.grants.gov/