Can't say for Canada but in the US the colleges look to the parents unless the student is over a certain age (most commonly 26). There's the FAFSA[1] required

Can't say for Canada but in the US the colleges look to the parents unless the student is over a certain age (most commonly 26). There's the FAFSA[1] required by almost every college. Many private colleges also require the CSS Profile[2] which is far more detailed and intrusive. Many people agree that the colleges do this for maximizing their profit and/or providing an incentive to go where it's "less than sticker". Some 18 year olds are not on good terms with their parents and can't get their parents to complete the processes. Not sure what happens then but you'd suspect nothing good. [1] https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Free Application for Federal Student Aid [2] https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org