Why is it that people assume that I can get financial aide?

Have you completed the FAFSA--the Free Application for Federal Student Aid? Federal financial aid is not based on credit, so you should be eligible for some type of aid.

The Pell grant is based on income level and enrollment status (full time or part time). Federal student loans are based on grade level and dependency status (dependent or independent) so credit wouldn't affect these, either. In addition, you may also qualify for state grants and loans, or institutional aid such as scholarships, grants or tuition waivers--all of which are not credit based.

About the only type of financial aid that is based on credit is private student loans, which are generally the last type of funding that students use. So, by all means, talk to your school's financial aid counselor and find out what you need to do to apply.

Well A LOT of college students have no credit and receive financial aid. And if you don't and are trying to go for a loan, usually they ask for a co-signer that has good credit.

Fill out the FAFSA and see if you're eligible. I received almost the full amount for upcoming year. My parents made too much(according to the govt anyways even though we live paycheck-to-paycheck) or else I would've received the full amount. I think to receive the full amount or so I read your household income must be under 24K I think. It makes sense cause my sister got the full amount & her household is only 16K and mine is 35K.