<p>CSS Profile asks the student to "Enter the amount your parents think they will be able to pay for your 2009-2010 college expenses." Is this amount supposed to INCLUDE or EXCLUDE amounts that parents would pay out of a student's custodial account?</p>
<p>I took the total we have saved in 529 and custodial accounts and divided the number by 4 (for 4 years). I'm not sure if that was the correct thing to do but that is what we were actually planning to spend.</p>
<p>It doesn't really matter. I put down what I thought I could pay, and the colleges let me know what they thought I could pay! :)</p>
<p>So, it's fine to put $0 even if one doesn't even have a 0 EFC?</p>
<p>I always figure it's good to hedge your bets. I put down an amount I thought I'd be able to handle. It was more than I "wanted" to pay, and less than the colleges wanted me to pay. I figure it's good to at least look like you're willing to kick in to pay the bill ... but I don't know how much difference it actually makes.</p>
<p>Thank you, but I think people are perhaps misunderstanding my question. The point I'm trying to get at is whether student assets--such as a custodial account--should be included in this amount, OR are they only asking about what PARENTS can contribute--beyond student assets and income?</p>
<p>I think we just talked about this question on "Preparing for Finaid Applications", go to the last page of the postings.</p>