@OHMomof2 Great point and one that needs to be shared with families so they know to start educating themselves on the process sooner. It’s one thing to be ahead of the game and select great options that will fit your personal situation and a bit deflating for my counsin’s daughter and this OP to have to be disappointed because it’s getting late in the game to get some of the ducks in a row.
@austinmshauri OP said they were homeless for a year, not a good portion of her high school years.
@thumper1 I just looked up Syracuse’s NPC calculator and it actually did ask the parents marital status. Also, I don’t expect it would give an accurate estimate as I don’t think OP can accurately answer the questions, if there are any, about the father’s income. I got as far as the question which asked how much the non-custodial parent would contribute which I think would be fair for OP to put in zero. The point is not to gain accuracy at this time but to figure out what the college cost would be based solely on the mother’s financials. If the cost is out of reach just based on the mother’s information, then adding the non-custodial’s information is not going to improve that only probably going to make the EFC greater, no? The point of a waiver is to say this person is not going to contribute a penny so don’t include him in the financial aid calculation. If that waiver is granted, will the OP be able to get enough financial aid to cover the cost or will OP still be in a situation where the school is financially out of reach. While OP needs to keep moving the ball forward to try to get the waiver, it would also be a good idea to figure out what it is going to cost to attend Syracuse.
@ChiCasa You’ve persevered through many obstacles and you are still standing.Don’t let a set back hold you back. You may end up on a different path than you originally thought but just pave your path and don’t give up. If it doesn’t work out with Syracuse, it’s just a bump in the road. You’ll be okay. We are rooting for you!