Financial Aid Questions...Confused

Hello…

I am so glad i found this site. So much great information, I do have a question though.

My son is 21 and lives with his dad. He has a full time job and he has put himself through college. He receieved a Gold Seal Scolarship when he graduated and took all the classes he could and has one more semester till he graduates with an AS and AA degree. (So gold seal has ran out) He plans on going to a University for the remaining years for engeineering. He has not taken any loans because he knows that when he gets to a university it will be more expensive so he opted out of any assistance that way. However my question is if no one claims him on taxes and he claims himself and put hisself through college. Why does FASFA still need his fathers Tax information. I only say this because he is doing it by himself. He lives with his dad and pays some money for the household expensies but does not have to pay rent. FASFA still asks for the dads informaiton (even though his father doesn’t help). Shouldnt he be able to fill out the worksheet without adding his fathers financials. My son has not gotten all of the AIDE i think he should be having to get the fathers Tax info.

I hope this makes sense.

I understand your question.

Why? Because those are the FAFSA rules. It doesn’t matter that your student is doing this on his own. If he is under 24, or doesn’t meet any of the other criteria for financial aid independent status (married, has dependent kids he supports, veteran, was in foster care or guardianship, etc), he is required to use his custodial parent financial information on the FAFSA.

One thing he might want to consider. It’s not too late to file the 2015-2016 (this year) FAFSA for only the purpose of getting a Direct Loan. He can then save this money for future college year costs.

Thank you… :slight_smile: