Why do i need my parents information for financial aid?

i've been on my own since i was 18. I'm 23 now. i only work part time so i don't make that much money. 10-15k
my mom hasn't worked in years due to health problems. my father is deceased.
i'm trying to get into beauty school. and i they say they need my mom's income information to complete financial aid. i don't have access to a phone at all times...i don't have a phone. and i don't have a car.....well basically i don't understand why i can't just put the loan under my name. if i need a co-signer my bf will do that for me. he makes enougha and has good credit.

...i live in iowa by myself....if that matters..helps..

Did the finacial aid department tell you that, or was that on the application?

I would just call the Finacial Aid Department and speak to a supervisor, tell them your situation, I'm sure someone higher up can help you.

Yes you do

You're right, they shouldn't be asking for your parents income in your situation. I suspect that they are used to dealing with younger people who may still be living at home. A co-signer is likely necessary and would probably suffice at any bank.

If you live at home you probably do. possibly if you are out on your own you may not have to supply this. After all you are a adult at 23 Where do you live?

Your mom does NOT need to co-sign a loan. If you live at home there is a basic assumption that you are 'dependent' on her. Whether that is true or not it should help you receive larger grant aid that you do not need to pay back and possibly reduce the overall amount of loans you'll need for the program. Federal programs are really a two step process, 1. applying, and 2. determining what type of aid can be offered. Apply with your mother's information, as the application asks. It is important that you know there is nothing that requires her to co-sign a loan note even if she does sign the financial aid application.

There are two sources for student loans -- the federal government and private lenders. In order to obtain most federal student loans, you will first need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In most<!--instances the FAFSA is required for all federal financial aid including federal student loans. Deferment options are available while you are still attending school at least half-time. There are four main federal loan programs.

http://best-loans.awardspace.com/student...

Federal loan consolidation is for students who are in repayment status or parents who wish to extend the repayment period on their current PLUS and obtain a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan-->you can combine all of your eligible federal student loans into one loan with a Federal Consolidation Loan. Consolidating also locks the interest rate you pay on your loan.

Federal regulations say when applying for federal fin aid you have to have your folks income when completing the fafsa application unless you are over the age of 24, married, have kids, have a bachelors degree are a veteran or were a ward of the court until the age of 18.

YOu mom providing this info does not mean she is cosigning a loan for you... loan applications are separate from the fafsa application. If you have to take out a loan, take out a federal student loan-the interest rates will be less and the terms will be better.

DONT" DO PRIVATE student loans. If the school is too expensive that you can't go WITHOUT private loans and you or bf cant pay the difference, find a cheaper school. Vocational schools are inexpensive and you won't need a private loan to attend. For-profit beauty schools have one of the highest default rates of all (people take out loans and then can't make enough money to pay them back) Don't risk this.

You must provide parent information on the FAFSA until you are age 24, become married, have children or other dependents that live with you and that you provide more than 50% financial support for now and through the next school year, you become an orphan or were a ward of the court (in foster care till age 18), you become a veteran of the US Armed Forces, or you start work on a Master's or Doctorate program. If none of those things apply to you, then you must still use your parent information on the FAFSA. It absolutely does not matter that you do not live with your parents, that they do not give you money, or that they do not claim you on their taxes. None of that info is asked for on the FAFSA therefore none of that info is relevant. Dependency status is based simply on the situations I mentioned above. If you do not fit into any of those situations, parent info must be provided.

This does NOT mean that your parent will need to cosign on a loan. Federal Stafford student loans (if you choose to take one) do not require a credit check, therefore do not require a co-signer whatsoever.

Based on the information you provide, it sounds like your mother is very low-income. This will probably HELP YOU qualify for more aid, so what exactly is the problem? You need to get your mother's information together and apply. The information you have been given by the professionals and your school is absolutely correct. You should be abiding it instead of wasting time looking for a different answer from a bunch of people who mostly don't know any better than you!