Ncp

<p>When my brother applied for school a few years ago my mom called someone at FAFSA and learned that, since she was divorced and didn't know how much her x-husband made, she wasn't required to fill out part of the application that asked for his income, assets, etc. This seemed odd--just because my mom didn't know how much my dad made, she didn't have to fill out the non-custodial parent part of the app? (As a side note, I haven't actually seen the FAFSA and I'm just basing the idea of a non-custodial parent part of the app based on what she said.) Anyways, when I applied for college I did fill out the NCP through college board, just as my school asked.</p>

<p>My brother has since dropped out of college but applied again this year at some colleges. He talked to the financial aid offices of several colleges, and explained that he didn't know how much his father made and that his parents were divorced. The financial aid offices told him not to worry about that part of the app then.</p>

<p>I guess I'm looking for someone who better understands the financial aid process. My mom seemed to think that if I contacted the financial aid offices at the other colleges that I'm applying to, explaining that my father isn't obligated to pay any of my college expenses, they won't require me to fill out NCP info. Any help?</p>

<p>The parent with whom the student resided with most during the last 12 months is considered the 'custodial parent'. This may be different than the parent who has legal custody. Doesn't matter if the parents are legally divorced, or just separated-- it gets treated the same.</p>

<p>A step parent living with the custodial parent gets treated by the aid formula the same as a natural custodial parent (their income gets counted).</p>

<p>The FAFSA has no questions about the non-custodial parent at all, and their income/assets aren't considered when determining the EFC. The Profile form does ask about the non-custodial parent, but their income/assets aren't normally considered when calculating the EFC. Alimony or Child support will be considered part of the custodial parent's income, of course.</p>

<p>BUT-- Some colleges that use the Profile (including most Ivy's) inquire further via their own supplemental forms, or via the CSS Noncustodial Parent's Statement. They tend to consider the non-custodial parent's income and assets when calculating aid. If the non-custodial info can't be obtained, you might be able to get a waiver from these colleges.</p>

<p>So it really depends on where you're applying, and whether the individual college is asking for the supplemental info. If they're just requiring FAFSA-- it's not an issue.</p>