<p>JustaMom - I'm confused about why you think I'm confused :). See my post #34 that makes the same point.</p>
<p>The FAFSA4caster is at fafsa4caster.ed.gov. It takes longer to fill out than the federal methodology estimator at College Board because it asks all the questions (even worksheets). Also, it asks for a SSN for the student, though you can always make one up. That's why I like the College Board's estimator for quick checks.</p>
<p>^ gotcha - sorry. all clear.</p>
<p>My point in mentioning that FAFSA-only schools don't meet full need is that frequently people believe that if they just want the custodial parent's income counted, as in this case, then to look for FAFSA-only schools is the solution. </p>
<p>However, FAFSA requires you to provide less information than CSS Profile, and for that reason schools that rely on FAFSA only will usually not attempt to meet full need. I'm sure some hopeful applicants to NYU feel they'll get a wonderful aid package because NYU is FAFSA-only--until they get their financial-aid letter and see what "gapping" means. State schools also tend to be FAFSA-only, and that's not a problem unless you're going out of state and trying to get financial aid. </p>
<p>These are generalities, and thus there will be exceptions. But for this young man, finding a local college or at least an in-state public is the best bet, unless his SAT scores are scholarship-worthy. In that case Mike should post back with that info.</p>
<p>LurkNess, I completely agree with your point that people need to understand this stuff and look at the data. </p>
<p>It's just that I've seen kids get burned by generalizations both ways - believing that FAFSA-only private colleges must be out of reach just because their sticker price is high, and believing that PROFILE-only colleges must be in reach because many (but not all) of these colleges offer great financial aid. </p>
<p>In the situation of the OP's friend, a FAFSA-only school is clearly the way to go. He could look for public colleges with very low sticker prices, or FAFSA-only private colleges that meet close to 100% of need (if his mom can handle her EFC). Post #15 had a few examples, but there are more. Others have followed up with more examples. The colleges I named in Post #15 do not need spectacular SAT scores. I know students with B/B- GPA's and low scores who got into these schools and were able to take advantage of their great need-based aid.</p>
<p>I keep a list of 56 colleges that meet full need. Most of them are PROFILE schools, but a few are FAFSA-only. I think there are more than 300 colleges that use the PROFILE. So even among PROFILE schools, it's a minority of colleges that meet full need.</p>
<p>Jonri has this all wrong. There are multiple problems with his answer</p>
<p>First - This entitlement mentality has got to stop. It’s bankrupting the country and individuals. I paid for college because my parents couldnt’. No one should be entitled to a “free” education - because it’s not free - someone is paying for it.</p>
<p>Secondly - Not everyone is college material. To think that just because a student can get into a college that they should be there, is wrong. A $100K bill for a child to have a good time is rediculous. </p>
<p>Thirdly - most college degrees are worthless. Have you not seen the globalization of the workforce. Your job most likely can be done by someone in India, China, Brazil, or other parts in Asia for $.10/$1.00. We should be having our kids go into jobs that can’t be outsourced. News Flash - most of those jobs don’t require a college degree. </p>
<p>Fourthly - If you have a child who has thrown away every opportunity that you’ve given them maybe the right solution is to tell them to join the military. Throwing good money after bad for 4 years of partying is not only a bad economic decision, we’re teaching the next generation that they should have their hand out and someone will fill it. Unless you’re Bill Gates or Warren Buffet that’s not going to happen (FYI Warren didn’t even do it with his own son - he was given $40K and told to make a name for himself - he didn’t pay for school)</p>
<p>Do look at the Momfromtexas thread. Some good ideas there. Really, he needs to have a safety which would be a local state school. After that, he can work out what else is affordable depending on the state of mind of the parents.</p>
<p>A problem that newly divorced families have is that the income that was often being stretched for one household now has to cover two. Even if the custodial parent gets a decent settlement, it may not be advisable for him/her to spring for an expensive college. Ideally, the two parents work it out, but when they have fought over every bit of situations, it is not likely that a good solution can be reached. One tries, however, but that financial safety school because ever so important. It is something that the student might want to keep in his back pocket, by the way, so that if one of the parents is looking for a way to weasel out of paying anything, it won’t be his excuse. See what can happen, but have that reserve in mind.</p>
<p>This thread is 2 years old. The student has probably enrolled in college by now. And, since Mike (the OP) is an “old hand” now with merit scholarships (her D has a nice one), she probably was able to guide this kid into a good situation.</p>