I currently work at a university so I'll try to answer a few questions for you. It's almost impossible to change a dependency status with the feds. Dependency overrides can't be done if the parents don't feel it's their responibility to fund college. If, a studen tor parent has recently lost a job, then it's good to talk to FA at your school about making adjustments to your FAFSA since that IS a possibility. Sorry! Pell Grants are need based grants so unless there has been a major change in your parent's financial status, you would have been considered for those with your grant-in-aid package. What types of aid did they offer? Sub Stafford? Unsub Stafford? FSEOG? If they offered you the sub Stafford, ask about an unsub stafford. Also, keep in mind that both of the Staffords can increase as you go from a 2nd to a 3rd or 4th year student. Have you looked into on campus jobs? Most are limited to 20 hours per week, and they are flexible insofar as they will work around your class schedule. Check with HR at the college if this is something that you're interested in.
