<p>For those of you with this same situation. How did you fill out your fafsa for the student going to get his masters. He qualifies for dependent status due to his bachelor's degree. However, if he files separately it will make the younger students EFC go up higher so that we couldn't help the one getting his masters or do you still say you have 4 people in your family with 2 students in college. Also, if you did the older ones separately would you say there is one person in his family? The question about whether you are paying half or more of his bills is confusing too. How will I know until I get both financial aid packages? I have contacted their undergrad school but haven't got an answer yet. Thanks so much for any help you can offer.</p>
<p>According to FAFSA, you would include the grad student as a member of your household and a member who is in college on the undergrad's FAFSA application. On the graduate's FAFSA, it would just be the grad student.</p>
<p>The one going for his masters degree has to file as an independent. It is not a choice. He will answer 'yes' to question 50</p>
<p>
[quote]
50. At the beginning of the 2009-10 school year, will you be working on a masters or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., EdD, graduate certificate, etc.)? You should answer "Yes" if you will be enrolled in a master's or doctorate program in the initial term you attend in 2009-10.
[/quote]
This will make him independent for FAFSA.</p>
<p>For the undergrad student you may be able to claim the older student as a member of household if you are providing more than half his support. There is another thread about this and the consensus seems to be that each school makes their own decision about whether the undergrad student's FAFSA can include the grad student.</p>
<p>Thanks, I just have no idea at this point how much we will be helping our oldest son. He will probably be going to NYU & the housing situation could cost a fortune & I am still not really clear on the tuition either. They list everything by points (I assume credits) & who knows how many he will need each semester. There is no way that we would be contributing 50% if you factor in the cost of living in NYC.</p>
<p>Oops, wnated to add - On the other hand if he got a very good package we could be contributing 50%. How can I answer that question without either financial aid package. At least the older son will get his package sooner than the younger one who won't get his until June at the earliest. I didn't realize this would be so complicated.</p>