We are not seeking financial aid nor do we have a need to fill out the FAFSA . We checked the estimators and wouldn’t receive any. No judgement please. We are in a fortunate position. My child is about to submit the common app. I dont have the app in front of me but there is a line that says something like “do you plan on applying for financial aid?” So we wrote, “no.” But my question is when we write, “no,” is that is all we have to do? I dont have to sign and decline FAFSA? Presumably one who says they are seeking financial aid would they have additional drop down questions, redirects and forms? This may sound stupid but i want to make sure it is that easy to just answer no and close that chapter.
If you have the funds for college and do not anticipate needing FA, then do not check FA box on Common App and do not need to file FAFSA.
It is that simple.
Many people on this forum advise filing FAFSA, even if full-pay, for a couple of reasons. Certain schools require FAFSA for Merit scholarships. Others want to be able to take out federal student loans (total 27k).
If you have funds set aside, and do not fall into above categories, then you can skip the FAFSA.
^ I believe there are some schools will shut you out of aid if you haven’t applied in prior years. So sometimes full-pay applicants will apply (or fill out the FAFSA) if there is any chance their circumstances could change, even if they expect to get denied in the current year.
If you have the money already saved to be full pay for the duration of your student’s education, then that’s great! No one here will judge you for that.
Just check no…and don’t submit any financial aid application forms. The school will deem you full pay…they will “get it”.