<p>Re post 17 on the subject of loans–if a student/family decide they need loans in any given year, even partway through that year, they can always fill out FAFSA then. It doesn’t matter when during the year you do it for Stafford eligibility, as long as it’s by, I believe, June of the end of the school year. So FAFSA doesn’t have to be filled out by a family who anticipate not taking out loans, just because circumstances could change.</p>
<p>Amandarin–you’re state doesn’t automatically require it; what the poster says that some state tuition plans or grant programs might. If you don’t anticipate using/qualifying for them, again, you don’t need to file FAFSA on that account.</p>
<p>I do agree with those above that say it’s difficulty has been exaggerated, but for a family who really has no need, I’d say, why bother.</p>
<p>Well, I just think that at some income levels and if the school choices don’t warrant it, then why bother…</p>
<p>Amanda has indicated that her family income is more than $200k. So, unless she’s ivy bound (which she’s not), or considering loans (which she’s not), they may not be much of a purpose - even if it doesn’t take much time.</p>
<p>That’s what WE thought… last year…this year (sophomore) D applied for an unsub Stafford. The FAFSA wasn’t nearly as bad as I anticipated. Keep in mind if another enters college, the figure is split between you(I think…).</p>
<p>You need to understand the purpose and context of the FAFSA. It is a form designed for the “federal methodology” to determine if you qualify for federal student aid. Also, its calculation of what a family needs to live is based on the poverty level from the 1960’s, adjusted only for some inflation. Still, many colleges use or misuse it to determine what you should be able to pay. Also, remember that “need” is the difference between your ability to pay and the cost of attendance for the school, and many schools will also use the CSS Profile, and even their own application, to determine need and then aid. But the FAFSA is usually a requirement. Completing the FAFSA is not really budensome, if that is a concern, and unless your family is just flat-out rich (See: 2008 financial crisis and recession of 2008-2009), you should not succumb to the, “Oh, why bother, it won’t matter becasue we make too much money and will never receive any aid” mentality.</p>
<p>Unless the OP is absolutely positively 120% sure that there is NO aid at ANY of her schools for which she would be eligible – then I can’t see any earthly reason not to do it. Even if she only picks up a grand somewhere, isn’t that worth 30 minutes of her time? Your situation must be very different than mine, because that seems like a pretty good ROI to me.</p>
<p>FAFSA is very user friendly. You can save as you go along. You need your tax info- we filed late for son, but am aiming for JAN.1 with 2 in school next year.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if you don’t have your taxrs done, can you use last year’s data? I can’t remember what the “skinny” is on that. Thanks</p>
<p>You can estimate using last years data though if you know there are any large differences then adjust your estimates accordingly. You will have to file FAFSA as ‘will file’ for the tax part then update when you file your taxes. The assets should not be changed when you update to reflect that your taxes have been filed, so make them accurate as of the day you initially submit FAFSA.</p>