Applying For Financial Aid Can I Apply for Financial Aid Without My Parents? Written by Shannon Vasconceloson December 3rd, 2020 I came to College Coach with close to 10 years of experience in college financial aid offices. I began my career at Boston University, where I counseled students and their parents on the financial aid process and reviewed undergraduate financial aid applications. At Tufts University, where I served as assistant director of financial aid, I developed expertise in the field of health professions financial aid. I was responsible for financial aid application review, grant awarding and loan processing, and college financing and debt management counseling for both pre- and post-doctoral dental students. I have also served as an active member of the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator’s Early Awareness and Outreach Committee, coordinating early college awareness activities for middle school students; as a trainer for the Department of Education’s National Training for Counselors and Mentors, educating high school guidance counselors on the financial aid process; and as a volunteer for FAFSA Day Massachusetts, aiding students and parents with the completion of online financial aid applications. Learn More About Shannon financial aid, financial aid application, financial aid process, Are you wondering if you can apply for financial aid on your own, without your parents' financial information? While most traditionally-aged college students will require parental information as part of the financial aid process, some students are considered independent and can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and student loans based solely upon their own information. In the latest installment of the Bright Horizons College Coach video series, We Can Explain, we break down what it takes to be considered independent by a financial aid office. Watch “How to Apply for Financial Aid Without Your Parents.” And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to keep up-to-date on all the latest college planning tips from our college admissions and finance experts. Related Resources Read | Posted on April 14th, 2025 Financial Aid Tips In The Waitlist Process Read | Posted on March 28th, 2025 How to Read a Financial Aid Award Read | Posted on January 14th, 2025 Four Reasons to Complete a FAFSA (or not)
