Financial aid for divorced parents

Hey everyone.

I’m a high school junior, and I’m wondering how Vandy calculates FA for students with divorced parents. My parents have joint custody, and I spend about the same time with each of them. My dad makes $90,000, but my mom makes considerably less (about $55,000). What can I expect? Also, since my parents cannot afford to shell out a ton of money, is there anything that I can do to maximize my FA?

Thanks!

Whoever claims you as a dependent on their taxes is the parent you will generally use for fafsa purposes I believe. How ever you did your FAFSA, the EFC should be a good indicator of about how much you will be getting in aid. The number is generally how much the government expects your parents to be able to contribute. Generally You can always petition the aid given to you at the financial aid office of your school and typically send in additional paperwork that better reflects your family’s ability to pay. I don’t go to vandy so these are just general answers

Unless it has changed, you will be asked to supply the relevant information regarding your educational expenses from the divorce settlement when you apply the first time via the CSS Profile. I always found Vandy to be generous with financial aid and that was before the no loans policy which took effect during D’s final semester.