Can my son apply for student aid with no help from father and step mother?

My son will be graduating from high school in June 2008. He received a scholarship from Iowa State University but it does not cover housing or food. He turned 18 in Feb. & due to complications with his step mother--moved out. Now his father is stating that he doesn't know if he will divulge his/their information w-2 or whatever is needed to help assist with finacial aid to cover this because he chose to move. He has been living with his father since he was a toddler due to my job location. Please help!!! I cannot see my son not going to college because of such ingnorance in his father's part. We are talking about his future. I filed Bankruptcy years ago and don't know if I will be able to help either. SOMEBODY--please give me some good news or useful information for my beautiful, smart son who deserves better. I am so proud of him because he has worked so hard. I feel I have failed him.

Just briefly, I believe that in difficult situations such as yours, you can include a supplemental letter explaining extenuating circumstances. However, the best person to talk to is someone in the school's financial aid office. If you don't want to "fail" him, then that is the best place to start.

Or, he can work three jobs while attending full time, like me! : )

In the spectrum of educational funding, scholarships and grants are the "free money." These awards do not need to be repaid. In general, scholarships are given based on merit and grants are given based on financial need. They may be awarded based on need, or excellence in academics or other areas, or on a combination of both. The aid may be given by the federal or state government.

Many scholarships awarded to University students have separate processes, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application forms. The resource links provided here will introduce you to a wide spectrum of possibilities available from the University and numerous other philanthropic agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Now the question is that how college funding works, the types of scholarships available, how to find them and how to apply for them. That鈥檚 pretty standard issue for a website about scholarships, although we think if you鈥檒l pardon us saying so, that we鈥檝e done an excellent and job of being comprehensive and readable. Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 different.

Scholarships are the ideal form of student aid, as they're basically gifts that never have to be repaid. On the other hand, student loans must be repaid, but they're made at very low interest rates, and you're usually you're not required to begin repayment until six months after you graduate. Some student loans require you to prove financial need, but some of them don't. Many students turn to student loans as a method to pay for college. Basically, if you cannot get access to the free money you have to borrow it in the form of a student loan.

http://badcreditloans.we.bs/scholarships...

Yes, in order to fill out the FAFSA which is free application for federal student aid, you need to give the financials of your parents.

Start by going to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and filling out the online form for federal student aid. After finding out what you are eligible for in terms of subsidized stafford loans, you can figure out if that is enough to finance your tuition and expenses. In most cases, it isn't. If you find that you need more money then you are offered, you may want to try a private student loan.

The best thing to do is compare the different private lenders out there, which can be done at http://www.finaid.org/loans/privatestude...
Most of the rates are very similar but do a little research and pick one that you think is best. I would suggest Think Financial. The application process is very quick and easy, and the check is sent directly to you so you can use the money for whatever you want. The limits are much higher with private student loans, up to $40,000 per year. You can find out more information about a Think loan at http://www.thinkfinancial.com . Good Luck.