CSS Profile question about parents' expenses

Paying for College
1

<p>On the CSS Profile, there is a question that asks the following:</p>

<p>Enter the amount your parents think they will be able to pay for your 2012-13 college expenses.</p>

<p>I have questions about how to answer this. My sense is that we will pay whatever we HAVE to pay. In other words, we will be responsible for what financial aid will not cover. So if we put down a set amount, will that affect how much a school would offer? </p>

<p>I have one other question. I couldn't find anywhere on the CSS Profile where they asked about 529 savings. Did I miss something?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>It is general opinion that question does matter at all. As you surmise, the expected contribution is based on the numbers.</p>

3

<p>In “Paying for College without Going Broke” by Kal Chany, a Princeton Review publication, he advises to calculate your EFC with the IM (institutional methodology) and then knock 20% off that number. You can calculate your IM EFC on the CollegeBoard website. </p>

<p>You cannot put down zero on that question either. His point is that you never want to put down more than your EFC, because the FA Office could actually use that number. His advice is always outstanding, been using his book for years now.</p>

4

<p>Thanks, SLUMOM. That is good advice.</p>

5

<p>OP - regarding the 529 savings, check the worksheet for question PA-120A</p>