<p>Nikkiil,</p>
<p>I am appalled at the fact that although most of people here are helpful, supportive and first read up on the issue and then comment on it, some are just there Like a cork in every barrel. I DON"T HAVE ASSETS AT MY DISPOSAL! neither does my mother. Please, do not comment on this thread if all you have to imput is this.</p>
<p>As a Financial Aid Counselor at a major institution, I do have a lot of first hand experience regarding issues such as these and have dealt with many similar situations. So, therefore, I am read up on the issue...and federal regulations....and financial aid procedures.</p>
<p>In your first posting you clearly state that your parents have this large amount of assets (real estate). Therefore, how can anyone come to any other conclusion than the ability to liquidate assets to pay for tuition. You may not like my answers, which is fine, but you won't get much sympathy from ANY Financial Aid Office. In fact, we see all to often people coming in "begging" for more aid and then driving off in expensive brand new vehicles.</p>
<p>While your parents annual income may not be much, those assets do matter...and are substantial. Reality check: I really do not think that ANY Financial Aid Office will overlook that enormous amount of assets in your parent's names, no matter what explaination you provide. All assets can be liquidated...it just sounds like the desire to liquidate isn't there.</p>
<p>Nikkiil</p>
<p>Nobody on CC created the finaid regs. The govt. and the schools get that gold star. Assuming a student/family follows the regs, dont begrudge someone if they use the regs to their benefit. In my opinion, its no different than the gazillon of hours and money wasted on minimizing income taxes.</p>
<p>Nukkiil, I guess, you do not consider what "non-custodial parent" can mean.</p>