<p>I have some time before I need to apply for colleges, so I'm not SUPER concerned right now, but I am worried.First off, my parents are divorced. My mom, who I live with, makes about 75k per year (not including taxes, food, etc.) My dad has a pretty well paying job (about 170k) and she receives some child support. I have filled out a couple finaid calculators, and all say I will not qualify for much because of my dad. My dad, however, is not willing to contribute much to my college education, yet says we won't qualify for aid, so I won't really be able to pay or receive aid... Is this true? Or will I be able to get aid somehow??? Sorry, I'm kind of clueless as to the aid thing... any help/advice is appreciated!!</p>
<p>Schools don’t care whether or not your parents are willing to contribute in determining how much aid you will get. If they did, every parent would say they won’t contribute and let schools pay your way through. If you’re looking at FAFSA only schools then only your mother’s income will count. Other schools will look at the income of both your parents as they should</p>
<p>Not all non-FAFSA schools will require non-custodial info. <a href=“CSS Profile Participating Institutions and Programs”>CSS Profile – CSS Profile | College Board; </p>
<p>OP, you need to find out how much your mother can afford to pay for your school. If only a small amount you’ll need to craft your college application list carefully. Your #1 priority should be getting a good safety school on your list - one you are certain of getting in, that you would be happy attending, and which you can afford. Anything else on your list is gravy.</p>
<p>Is the child support only for YOU, or are there younger children? Will the child support amount decrease when you go to college? does your mom receive any spousal support.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, the schools that do not ask for your dad’s info are the ones who do not give the best aid. There are a couple of exceptions.</p>
<p>While you can try to apply to some schools that require NCP info, it will be a waste of time since your dad’s income is so high and the schools won’t care that he won’t pay (I wonder why some affluent NCPs behave this way. Don’t they ever think that their kids will deeply resent them for putting all the burden on the CP…what a recipe for bringing a deep wedge between NCP and child). </p>
<p>Anyway…what kind of schools were you going to apply to?</p>
<p>What is your home state?</p>
<p>What is your GPA and test scores (include breakdown).</p>
<p>Ask your mom how much she’ll pay each year towards college (if child support will be decreased, then she may not be able to pay much).</p>
<p>Ask your dad how much he’ll pay each year. </p>
<p>You need to know what you’re dealing with. </p>
<p>Since your family may end up with an unaffordable EFC, it’s wise to look into this NOW. You’ll need to identify some financial safeties…schools that you know for sure that you have ALL costs covered.</p>