IRS and Student Loans

Student loans, for many, are absolutely necessary to afford a college education. Some students receive no outside support or financial assistance from anyone. The main stipulation involved in the amount one student can receive is one's status for tax purposes. If a student is not considered independent to the IRS this significantly lowers the amount of money the student can apply for and/or receive. To be declared independent there are few guidelines. Either both parents, of the applicant, must be deceased, or the applicant must have a full-time job, or a dependent within their household, other than a spouse. There is possibility to be considered independent without meeting one of these requirements, under special circumstances and evaluation. However, there is a, perhaps, small majority of students that experience this that should not, by legal perception, be considered a dependent. These students may have both parents still alive, no dependents, a part time job, and under the age of 24/25 (an age which automatically grants you financial independence). For these students, if their parents make a considerable income, but do not wish to support them in college it makes their case very difficult.

Consider if you were anywhere between 18-23 wishing to take out student loans for your education, had wealthy parents that did not support you for whatever reason. Consider also that you live on your own, have a part-time job and are doing your best to support yourself and afford your education. Do you consider it legitamate for the IRS to deny you the right to the same loan amount as an independent because your family backround/finances appear capable to assist you on paper? Should the guidelines be revised to allow special circumstances without appealing to an official on student loans? Should someone have to jump through hoops to receive financial assistance for education just because they already endure the hardship of an upsupportive and/or absent family?