<p>I feel really horrible for asking this, but I'm curious, so here it goes...</p>
<p>It looks like my parents will probably be getting a divorce relatively soon. They've been talking about it for years, so I don't really see how it's not going to happen, and as far as their well-being goes I think the sooner, the better. As I'm a junior in high school, this will probably effect my financial situation once I go to college. What I'm wondering is: how much would my need-based aid change if they divorced before college than after? I know the answer very much depends on where I go to school, etc. but is there anyway I could get a general answer? I do not know much about financial aid, so if it doesn't work this way you can just let me know, but any information would be greatly appreciated...</p>
<p>As a family:
About 75k-80k/year (both of my parents work)
I'm an only child/only in college
Only three of us in the household
We rent an apartment ('gave our house back' to the bank 2 yrs ago)
Our savings aren't substantial..I don't know the specifics, but I think my parents are in a situation where they set aside enough to pay rent, bills, medical, groceries, etc. and then are able to put a little away...I don't really know what to make of that, but it's not like we're living in luxury
I don't have a job (I hopefully will soon), and only have about $400 in the bank/no college fund or anything like that</p>
<p>If my parents did get a divorce, I would almost definitely be with my mom, and she makes 40k/year (a little more than my dad, I think)</p>
<p>Like I said: I know it's hard to predict need-based aid in general because it varies so much from school to school, but my real question is would it change substantially if my parents were to get a divorce before I go to college? Or would it stay the same because only one parent would be expected to pay instead of two? Or does it vary from person to person as the court decides? </p>
<p>Any help would be greatly appreciated, as this has been bugging me for quite a while!</p>