What the (bleep) is an emancipated minor.

This is not a site devoted to legal advice. For all questions regarding legal terms you should contact a qualified attorney. Yet, Planet College recognizes that many terms are bandied about with some quasi-legal opinions attached to them. One of the most persistent of these is "emancipated minor." This term was originally developed to identify and legitimatize individuals who, though not yet legal age, were responsible for themselves. You may use your favorite search engine to find definitions and interpretations of this term. But before you do Planet College advises you to read on.

Students on Planet College having a general idea of the implications of this term attempt to apply it to themselves. The argument usually is, " Well I've been responsible for myself since I graduated from high school, so . . . ." This argument is always presented in reference to the student's financial status. Essentially it is seen as a means to get more money for school. It is often presented by students of whatever age who are getting or have gotten no financial help from either parent.

The thing you need to know is that the United States Department of Education does not recognize the term " emancipated minor". It has no meaning, no validity for that Department. Since that is the Federal Department which oversees Financial Aid in the United States, seeking to be designated an emancipated minor will do nothing for your Financial Aid status.

However, if, in fact, you are recieveing no outside support for your education a visit to your school's Financial Aid office might be beneficial. Tell the worker that you would like more help. Tell her why.

Couldn't hurt.