We are getting ready to file the FAFSA. For the question on how many will be in college at the same time as the student, what if the older student is in grad school? Does that also count? What if the older student pays her own tuition, not the parents paying it? Does that matter in counting that older student?
For question 74, the grad school student only counts if the parents will provide more than half of that person’s support from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 and that person will be attending at least half time in an approved program during 2015–2016 that leads to a degree or certificate at a postsecondary school eligible to participate in any of the federal student aid programs.
How much is the student paying for his/her college? Is the grad student paying for his/her own tuition, room, board books thru scholarships and loans?
I thought how it worked is the grad student might count as a household member but does not count as in college. At least that’s how it was determined upon verification for my kids.
The one who will go to grad school will be paying out of her own assets on hand and hopefully some scholarships that will come along. No loans will be necessary. This child doesn’t qualify for aid due to a better financial picture than the child going off to college as a freshman next fall. I don’t think I’d be providing more than half of the support of the grad student so I decided not to count her. My question seems to be answered. Thanks, everyone.
@madison85 only counts as a household member if the parents are providing more than half of that child’s total expenses.
The same rule applies to counting grandparents living in the home. Many/most families can’t count Grands because they’re getting SS or pension and medicare…and those total high enough that the family is not matching/exceeding that total amount.
Madison and Mom2. It all depends on the college. Even though grad school kids are independent for financial aid, some colleges will still count them as student in college. Not all do, and one would have to check.