Going to College

What it is

Applying to college and getting financial aid — including how to get aid without a parent’s help or signature.

Why it helps you

College can change your path. And there are special rules to get aid if your family won’t or shouldn’t be involved.

Good to have first

Your GED or Diploma.

This opens up

New careers and communities.

Where to get help

Apply for financial aid

FAFSA and Federal Student Aid The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Grants are money you don’t pay back. Most colleges and states also use it for their own aid.

Cost: Free. Always.
Who can use it: US citizens and many other eligible non-citizens. You need a high school diploma, a GED or HiSET, or a finished homeschool education under your state’s law.
How to start: Make an account at studentaid.gov, then fill out the FAFSA there. For help, call 1-800-433-3243.
Good to know: Phone help is Monday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. You usually need a Social Security number to make an online account.

The FAFSA asks for parent information unless you are “independent.” For the 2026–27 FAFSA, you are independent if you were born before January 1, 2003. You are also independent if, for example, you are married, have children you support, are a veteran, were in foster care after age 13, or are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of it. “Unaccompanied” means not living with a parent.

If none of these fit, but your family is unsafe or you can’t reach them, tell the FAFSA you have “unusual circumstances.” You can skip the parent part. You’ll get an estimate of your aid. Then the college’s financial aid office decides. They may ask for a letter from someone who knows your situation, like a counselor, social worker, pastor, or shelter worker. If you have no one, they can decide based on a talk with you. Once a college says yes, it usually carries over to later years at that college.

This does not work if your parents are safe but just won’t help or won’t share their information. Then you can usually only get a federal loan, not grants.

FAFSA Guide for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (SchoolHouse Connection) A plain guide for young people who are on their own and don’t have a steady place to live. This includes couch surfing or staying with friends because you can’t go home.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Students under 24 who are not living with a parent and are homeless or at risk of it.
How to start: Read the guide. It lists who can write a letter saying you are an unaccompanied homeless youth. This includes a school homeless liaison, a shelter director, or a TRIO or GEAR UP program director.
Good to know: If no one can write that letter, the college’s financial aid office must decide for you based on the rules.

Earn college credit for free

Modern States Free online college courses. Finish one and you can get a free voucher for the matching CLEP exam. Passing a CLEP exam can earn college credit at many colleges.

Cost: Free courses and free CLEP exam vouchers. Some test centers charge their own small fee.
Who can use it: Anyone 13 or older.
How to start: Make a free account. Pick a course. Before you start, check if your college gives credit for that CLEP exam.
Good to know: You need an email address. CLEP exams are taken at a test center or online with a proctor, and you’ll need ID.

Apply without paying fees

NACAC Application Fee Waiver A form that asks a college to skip its application fee because money is tight. It is from the national group for college admission counselors.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: First-time students with low income, including adults and homeschooled students. Transfer students have their own form.
How to start: Download the form. Ask a counselor, a community group leader, or a clergy member to sign it. Send it to the college.
Good to know: It is meant for up to four colleges. Many community colleges have no application fee at all. Just ask.

Check that a school is real

Database of Accredited Schools (U.S. Department of Education) and CHEA Database “Accredited” means an approved group has checked the school. Search the school’s name in either list.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone.
How to start: Type the school’s name. If it isn’t listed, be very careful.
Good to know: Only accredited schools can give federal aid. Credits from schools that aren’t accredited often don’t transfer.

If you only do one thing first

Call or visit your local community college’s financial aid office. Say, “I’m an adult starting college on my own. Can someone help me with the FAFSA?” Community colleges cost less, accept adults of all ages, and help many people in your situation. If you were homeschooled or can’t include your parents, say so. They have handled it before.

Watch out for

Paying for the FAFSA. The FAFSA is free. Only use studentaid.gov. Sites that charge to “file” it for you are not needed.
Pushy for-profit schools. Watch for schools that call you over and over, rush you to sign, or promise jobs. Some leave students with big loans and credits nobody accepts. Check the school is accredited, and compare it with your community college first.
“Accreditation” from groups no one checks. Fake schools make up their own accreditors. Use the two databases above to check.
Thinking you’re independent because you pay your own bills. Living on your own, or your parents not claiming you on taxes, does not make you independent for the FAFSA. Unsafe family, abandonment, or homelessness can.
Giving up after one “no.” If the aid office says no, ask how to appeal. Ask what more proof would help.
New 2026 rule changes. Some federal loan limits changed in July 2026. A new “Workforce Pell” grant is starting for some short job-training programs. Ask the aid office what applies to you.