Even if proof can be supplied to prove independence from one 's parents it makes no difference to the financial aid officials. Tax forms, checking account statements, rent receipts, utility bills, and pay stubs could all be reviewed to verify a student 's independence. This would be more work for the financial aid offices but wouldn 't it be worth the extra effort to help those in need get an education? This would eventually benefit all of society by creating a workforce with more skills and better productivity. Nearly three million students start their college careers every year, however, only 46% actually graduate from college. The number one reason why students drop out of college is lack of money to pay college costs.
If this special group of people were granted their due amount of financial aid, they could spend more time on important tasks rather than working 40 plus hours a week at a low wage job to try and pay their bills along with paying full tuition. Tasks like studying, community service, and school programs would take precedence over a full-time job. Better studying habits coupled with plenty of rest will help the student excel in school and retain more information. How do we expect students to do great in school if they are working 40 plus hours to pay their bills and trying to get an education by attending college full-time?
Some people might ask, why don 't younger, independent students just emancipate themselves from