Levy-Prewitt: When parents won't pay for college

Joanne Levy-Prewitt's "College Bound" column in today's Chronicle: When parents could afford to pay for college but refuse, the student doesn't get much sympathy -- or financial aid.

Q: I am a sophomore in high school. I get mostly B's, and I play soccer. I have no idea what I want to study in college or where I'd like to go.

My problem is that my parents are refusing to pay for college. They say they can afford to pay but, since they paid for their own college education, they think I should pay for mine. They will fill out financial aid forms, but doubt we will get any money. I am not a strong enough student or athlete to get a scholarship. I work in the summer and can save some money, but soccer takes up too much time for me to work during the school year. How can I pay for college?

A: While it has become an accepted practice for parents to pay, or help pay, for a child's college education, some do not wish to do so, for many reasons.

Students who do not have parents or have other dire circumstances can often prove their financial independence to colleges, and can apply for financial aid without having their parents' income considered. However, colleges won't give you money simply because your parents refuse.
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