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<p>Most FAFSA only schools do not have a LOT of funds for need based aid. It is very likely that this student is getting a combination of federally funded need based aid and some merit aid as well…if indeed he’s getting such a terrific financial aid offer from that school.</p>
<p>People also don’t always tell the whole story. We had a family member who convinced the grandparents that her daughter got an academic scholarship to Wellesley. Ahem…they don’t GIVE merit aid. Sometimes what you hear from the neighbors and family are not the whole story. Don’t bother listening…it really won’t affect YOUR aid anyway.</p>
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<p>qdogpa, the poster indicated that this was a FAFSA ONLY school and that the parents were divorced. That being the case, only the custodial parent (presumably the poor mom…not the rich dad) would be reported on the FAFSA.</p>
<p>Oh, the stories I have heard about athletic scholarships! What lies. My oldest was a national athlete and, yes, he could have gotten a full ride–I think he was offered one, but only at schools that were such safeties that he probably would have gotten in with a nice merit award even without the sport. The most selective schools didn’t offer him a dime. I still hear stories about athletic scholarships in his sport at schools that I know don’t give them.</p>
<p>True, Thumper1. Thank you for the reminder: Only our individual situations matter to our families – and more importantly to our kids – right now. Excellent to remember as we all go forward with only 10 days left to make these decisions. </p>
<p>It’s my understanding that the student got federal aid as well as a large amount of institutional gift aid – and, yes, some loans. The green-eyed monster in me is assuming that Dad will discreetly help cover some costs. But, you’re right, I didn’t see the actual offer! 
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<p>I’ve been thinking lately that it might be better if all kids had to take a gap year. That way when they were all applying for college, less of the decision and the anxiety would be based on what they heard in the halls or the classroom.</p>
<p>And, LOL, cptofthehouse. That’s pretty funny about people mentioning scholarships that you know don’t exist. OK, I’d better log off as lunch hour is over. Back to work.</p>
<p>My very dear friend’s ex surgeon husband refused to pay for their kids private college costs, so they ended up going to FAFSA only schools and got federal and state aid as well as packages from their state schools. But Papa slipped them money any and everytime he felt like it, and bought them nice cars, paid the insurance, took them on nice vacations, etc, etc. Crazy priorities there. They should have been reporting any money he gave them , but they did not. They knew they could not depend on it and what they usually got were things or experiences, not money.</p>
<p>Even some Profile schools do not look at non custodial parent. I know a young lady who is at either American U or GWU (I’m old - can’t remember s*** anymore!) because they gave her the best aid package … they didn’t look at the NCP. It worked out well for her. She didn’t get need met, but she still got more than what was offered at schools where NCP was considered. NCP does help pay, so it worked out well for them.</p>
<p>Many people tell stories with a spin. Why in the world some one would commit fraud and then brag, I cannot even fathom, but we have all heard about the kid with a full ride scholarship (implying merit) to Harvard. And we have all seen the finaid package where need is met with loans, but they call that aid. Maybe the people’s package is loans?</p>
<p>If it is FAFSA school, then the DH income should not be reported if they are actually separated in spirit, not physically, but their marriage. If that is the case, though, then I believe the money from Dad (alimony/child support) would need to be reported as mother’s income?</p>
<p>Maybe they are lying and committing fraud or maybe they are lying to the public with a spin on their story???</p>
<p>* If that is the case, though, then I believe the money from Dad (alimony/child support) would need to be reported as mother’s income?</p>
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<p>Yes…if the dad made/makes oodles of money, then likely the mom is getting spousal support/child support that should be reported.</p>
<p>Heard a similiar story as ^- divorced, father a dr., but does not want to pay college expense, kid’s FASFA reflects only mom’s low income, part time job. Kid gets significant aid. Dr/father still complains about the $ to cover the difference. Good riddance…
I told my H we should get a divorce! :)</p>
<p>I have seen cases where families do have money, but they qualify for a lot of need based aid due to the way their businesses are structured for tax purposes. While this may not fly at a Profile school (other than qualifying for Pell), it can result in better-than-expected need based packages at FAFSA schools that give out decent need based aid. It is legal, and no one is lying or committing fraud. The system helps some who don’t need it & hurts some who do. It’s the nature of the beast.</p>
<p>Agreed, Kelsmom, that one can’t tell the whole story from anecdotes here and there. And there are some pockets of advantage and disadvantage in the fin aid process.</p>