Why is my parent/guardians’ income considered when I am going to be the one paying for my education?

Typically, most organizations support the Federal Methodology formula created by Congress. It is based on the premise that it is a parent’s and student’s joint responsibility to provide funds for higher education from their income and assets (to the extent possible).

As a general rule, a student is considered independent at the age of 24, or if he/she is married, or is the primary provider for a dependent child or is a veteran.