FAFSA for 54-year-old returning student - do I qualify without income?

Yes, you absolutely can qualify for FAFSA at 54! In fact, having no income might actually help you qualify for more aid. As an independent student (which you are based on age), you don't need to report parent information. Your SAI (Student Aid Index) would likely be quite low, potentially qualifying you for the maximum Pell Grant amount (around $7,395 for the 2025-2026 academic year). Make sure you fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens on December 1st for the best chance at all types of aid. BYU-Idaho should also have financial aid counselors who can help you through the process. Don't let the website intimidate you - the application is actually pretty straightforward once you get started!

ur in luck! i went back 2 school at 49 last yr and got a full pell grant. no income = more $$. just make sure u put down ANY assets u have like savings or property tho. they look at that 2. good luck!!

The SAI (Student Aid Index) replaced the older EFC (Expected Family Contribution) calculation. It's basically a number that determines your financial need and eligibility for federal student aid, especially Pell Grants. Having zero income will likely give you a very low SAI, which is good for maximizing your aid. As for the application process, you'll need: - Your Social Security number - Federal income tax returns (though with no income, you may not have filed) - Records of any untaxed income - Information on cash, savings, and checking account balances Since you're over 24, you're automatically considered an independent student, which means you don't need to provide parent information. This simplifies things considerably.

be careful, my sister did FAFSA at 52 and they said she could only get loans not grants because she already had a bachelors from 30 years ago. do you already have a degree? that might affect what you can get

I HATE the FAFSA system so much. I went back to school at 47 and the whole thing was a NIGHTMARE. The website kept crashing, nobody answered the phones, and my application was stuck "processing" for MONTHS. By the time they finally approved me, I'd already paid for my first semester out of pocket and couldn't get reimbursed. The whole system is designed for 18-year-olds with parents helping them, not adults trying to make a career change.

To answer your question about online programs - yes, FAFSA covers eligible online programs just like in-person ones, as long as the school is accredited and participates in federal aid programs. BYU-Idaho definitely qualifies, including their Pathways program. One tip: when you apply, make sure you list BYU-Idaho's school code (003585) so your FAFSA information gets sent directly to their financial aid office. They'll use that to prepare an aid package for you.

I'm in almost the same boat! 51 and going back to finish my degree finally. Just completed my first FAFSA last month and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. Took about 40 minutes. The hardest part was remembering my login info for the FSA ID lol. Good luck with your studies!

One more piece of advice: BYU-Idaho likely has additional scholarship opportunities specifically for non-traditional or adult students returning to education. Once you complete your FAFSA, reach out to their financial aid office directly to ask about any institutional aid you might qualify for. Many schools have funds set aside specifically for students in your situation that aren't part of the federal aid system. Also, be prepared to provide documentation of your lack of income. Sometimes the financial aid office may request verification, which could include a simple statement explaining your financial situation since you haven't been employed.

Tami, you're going to do great! As someone who works in financial aid, I can confirm everything others have said - you're in an excellent position as an independent student with no income. One thing I'd add is to keep all your documentation organized in a folder (digital or physical) because you might need to reference it later during verification or when applying for aid renewal each year. Also, don't forget about work-study opportunities if you're interested! Even online students can sometimes find remote work-study positions that can provide some extra income while you're in school. BYU-Idaho should be able to tell you what's available for Pathways students. The fact that you're taking this step at 54 is inspiring - education is never too late and you'll bring such valuable life experience to your studies!