Getting need based aid is going to be a huge thing for me. I live with my mom, a single parent who’s a teacher. So as you can imagine, she doesn’t make much. My dad however, is pretty loaded, making 6 figures. He does pay child support, but its not all that much, and I’ve never lived with him. I haven’t even followed a regular visitation schedule since elementary school. Is his salary going to disqualify me from need based aid?
<p>Unfortunately, yes. While some get waivers if the other parent isn't in their life, child support shows he is present in your life. Some state schools only look at the custodial parent's income.</p>
<p>I agree. You should talk to your father to see if he is going to help you. </p>
<p>One thing that I am not sure about is the effect if the non-custodial parent has remarried. It may not help, but I'm not sure of the answer.</p>
<p>I will talk to him. I'm sure he'll help somewhat, but I don't know how substantially. I don't think his income should DQ me from need based aid, since he doesn't spend nearly as much on me as on his 3 kids that live with him.</p>
<p>Unfortunately you can't think of it in terms of logic. It is just a bureaucratic issue. The amount that the noncustodial pays towards your support or plans to pay towards your support does not matter. The colleges expect the noncustodial parent to contribute. If they didn't do it that way, people would cheat the system. </p>
<p>You can explain the situation to the financial aid officer at the college. There is the possibility of them waiving the noncustodial parent if someone in authority states in writing that you have no contact with the noncustodial parent and that they do not contribute towards your support.</p>
<p>There is a separate forum on the main talk page of collegeconfidential that discusses financial aid.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if the fact that the noncustodial parent has remarried affects the equation?</p>
<p>That is a key element. This does not sound like a case where you have a parent with whom you have had no contact nor financial assistance. I don't see how you can obtain a letter stating that your father does not contribute. I think what you are talking about is a father who does not willing wish to pay for your college.....quite a different story.</p>
<p>Whether or not non-custodial parent income is taken into account depends upon the school. Many state schools and some (though not many private schools) just look at the FAFSA, which asks for the custodial parent's information only. Of course the FAFSA will report child support for the first year you will seek aid and longer if your father continues to send support. I would suggest that you first check with your state schools to see how they view non-custodial income, then see what the other schools that you are interested in will do. Since your father HAS paid child support, chances are most private schools and many public ones will ask for his support, and will determine the amount expected from him via the Profile Non-Custodial Parent Form or through their in-house financial aid forms. Good Luck!</p>