Hi! I’m applying to boarding schools this year obviously and I’ll need near-full financial aid (we could probably pay 5k?). Thing is, I live with my dad in our 2 person household. My parents have been divorced for 10 years, I’ve lived with my dad for 1. My dad makes $60k and, as I just said, I live with him. But, on court documents, my mom is still my custodial parent. She made $8k this year and is currently unemployed, living with her family. What income will I put down? Will I put both?
Both of your parents’ income should be reported and will be considered regardless of who has the custodial right and who you are living with.
@SculptorDad Okay that makes sense, I know some colleges only take into account custodial parent so I didn’t know if that was the case. I couldn’t remember if my dad reported income when I applied in 8th grade or not.
For college financial aid purpose, “custodial parent” means the parent with whom you lived the most during the past 12 months, regardless who has the legal custodial right.
While the Federal government (and most state governments) does not consider the income and assets of the non-custodial parent, many private colleges do consider the non-custodial parent as a potential source of support, and require a supplemental financial aid form from the non-custodial parent.
http://www.finaid.org/questions/divorce.phtml
Private prep (boarding) schools also generally consider both of the parents’ income to calculate parent contribution.
https://www.nais.org/Articles/Documents/Dev_Div_Sep_FA_Policy.pdf
Also: One of your parents should be filling out the financial aid paperwork, not you 
@SculptorDad Thank you, I wasn’t really aware of how it worked
@CaliMex I have to help my parents get my stuff on the account, cause I’m the only one with a computer and they are kinda tech illiterate lol I don’t deal with the actual tax forms
You can help your dad to fine the FA application which should include your mom’s income. You mom making $8k is likely to be better than not working for your case, because schools can and often do assign potential contribution to a non working parent as they expect the non working parent to start working and contributing to your education.
Hey. I also did my parents FA application. Sadly, not everyone’s parents are literate or understand financial jargon. I acted as my parents when emailing AO at schools/
My mother does not work while my father does in a low paying job. No one was expected to do anything and potential contribution is around 1k for a family making 25k a year. Those are not exact numbers but you can get the jist. Schools will negotiate packages if you are not able to attend due to costs because they already accepted you and they will be willing to change the price.
I know that the PFS has a section of custodial and non custodial parents and they will assess the situation. If the non custodial parent is not willing to pay, they will not put that against you. You have to state that in the special considerations in the PFS.
Some schools may negotiate. Others will say, “Here is our first and final offer.” It’s not like the school can’t find a student to replace you.
Remember that most schools have a fixed amount available for FA. It is possible, after everyone has accepted offers, that there will be some money left that can be reallocated if needed. Or used for someone on the WL. Or not.
Some families are willing to sacrifice more than others. Some cannot sacrifice further. Some want FA because they don’t want to sacrifice at all. At the end, the schools need to work with what they have as fairly as possible. And they may not all see every situation the same way.
This is why students who need FA need to cast a wider net.
Good luck to you, @CavsFan2003. Sounds like you’ve got this!
Thank you @gardenstategal! I actually reached out to the schools I’m applying to and explained my situation- all that have replied said they will waive the requirement for my mother. We’re gucci, gang!