I really need aid for college but based on my families income I probably won’t get much (if at all). Will saying that I intend to apply hurt my chances?
How do u know u won’t receive much? Have u actually tried any of the net price calculators on the colleges’ websites?
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My parents are willing to pay 20k, since my custodial parent is low income I qualify for a local scholarship which (if I get) will be about 10k a year. We’re anticipating 10k-20k in fa. The rest, if any, would be taken out in loans.
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So, is the issue that your NCP’s family income is too high for aid?
Why wouldn’t you apply for aid? You might get some.
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@midwestmomofboys ive discussed it with my parents, i suggested going to suny school because theyre significantly cheaper and both of my parents were against it, theyre fairly confident they can make the financials work where ever i choose to go so thats why I said money is not an issue at the moment.
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Is one set of parents very well off?
Yes, high income, aid would be nice and extremely helpful but I’m doubtful that I’d receive any because of NCP income. @mom2collegekids maybe 10k because my CP’s is so low. If it would make any difference in admission, I don’t know if it would be worth is to apply.
I’m basically saying that it can be managed but aid would be a significant help.
Seems like your parents are in denial, since they are only willing to pay $20,000 (per year? or all four years?) but “they are fairly confident they can make the financials work where ever”.
Have you run net price calculators, using both of their income and assets (including that of any new spouses) for any college that uses the CSS Profile (which is most colleges with good financial aid)? Do the colleges on your list fall into the affordable range in these net price calculations?
Since your CP is low income, apply for aid. At least for FAFSA, you probably will get a Pell Grant unless the low income parent has a lot of assets.
@ucbalumnus 20k a year is what would be idealplus and outside financial aid award that only looks at CP income. It’s only about 10k though. They’re pretty in denial about aid, I don’t think they realize how big of a role the NCP’s finances play.
You may want to consider the schools on these lists, as well as your in-state public schools:
http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/ (potential safeties)
http://competitivefulltuition.yolasite.com/ (potential match/reach schools)
http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/ (if you have National Merit status)
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20k a year is what would be idealplus and outside financial aid award that only looks at CP income. It’s only about 10k though. They’re pretty in denial about aid, I don’t think they realize how big of a role the NCP’s finances play.
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I’m guessing that the $10k is the Pell Grant and the Tap (only for NY schools)?
You don’t need your NCP parent to allow you to apply to some SUNY’s, right? Do so anyway. At least have them on the back burner, just in case. And, don’t you qualify for some fee waivers based on CP? If so, use for SUNY.
Don’t know how SUNY’s work for admission…do you have to use a waiver for each SUNY or can you use one to apply to several SUNY’s?
How many waivers can you get?
@mom2collegekids, NYS residents who qualify for Pell also qualify for up to $5k/year TAP (Tuition Assistance Program). SUNYs are FAFSA only schools, so if the CP income is low enough, OP may qualify for some Pell and TAP. The full COA for in-state residents is about $22k/year, so if parents are willing to pay $20k/year, the SUNYs are a great option.
If OP applies for seek/College discovery/EOP/HEOP then s/he will need income assets of both parents. TAP will want to know how long parents have been divorced along with how much support the NCP provides. Since they cross reference the NYS tax forms, if OP says none and they find out dad claims kid on taxes, there will be a problem.
While it is not the norm, you could be eligible for full Pell but not eligible for full TAP
Very helpful, @Sybbie719.