<p>One the schools to which my D applied has just changed their policy for 2012-2013 regarding the non-custodial CSS Profile and are requiring the non-custodial parent to complete the form. </p>
<p>My gross is about $60K per year while her dad's income (combined with his wife's) is about $220K. Her dad is unwilling to pay much of anything (if any money at all) towards her college tuition. It's a shame, but I'm sure this is not a new story to readers on CC.</p>
<p>Is there anything that we can do to convince the college to ignore his income and just base the ability to pay on my income? I realize that my income will likely not yield any grants, even though the tuition is about $50K per year, but her dad's income will definitely hurt her chances on paper. </p>
<p>Most likely not especially if there is or has been contact between your daughter and her father. Remember that parents are first in line when it comes to paying for their child’s education. The institutional aid is based on the income/assets of the parents and what the school believes that they can pay, not what they want to pay. If NCP and wife makes 220k, there is a strong possibility that your D may not receive any need based aid.</p>
<p>With this in mind, does your D have any schools on her list where she stands a good chance of getting merit money? Does she have any FAFSA only schools.</p>
<p>Thank you sybbie - yes, she does have FAFSA schools only. What about merit aid? My D has to audition for this school (acting and musical theatre) and they are known for their generosity regarding merit money. Do you think the income/assets would effect that as well? (It is an extremely competitive process, but I want to prepare my D that if she were fortunate enough to get into the school, there may not be enough aid to make it feasible.)</p>
<p>Talent awards shouldn’t be affected by income, but you’ll have to look at the school’s own policies.</p>
<p>That said, if this is a pricey private, then even if she were to get - say - a $10-15k per year talent award, how would you pay for the other $35-40k.</p>
<p>You need to prepare your D that this change will likely mean that this school will not be affordable. </p>
<p>Not only do you need to look at FAFSA only schools, but since most FAFSA only schools don’t meet need, you might also want to look at schools that give large merit scholarships as well.</p>
<p>Does your D have a couple financial safety schools on her list? Those are schools that you know FOR SURE will be affordable because of ASSURED grants/merit, small student loans, and family funds.</p>
<p>I appreciate your input, and I’m not disregarding it, but I’ve truly thought of everything you’ve mentioned. I’m just wondering if there’s something that I’m missing to help her financial chances at this school.</p>
<p>A college counselor once mentioned “special circumstances” and the CSS profile . . . would an accompanying letter explaining her financial situation help?</p>
<p>There are special circumstances, but it doesn’t sound like they would apply to your situation. </p>
<p>special circumstances consist of:</p>
<p>NCP abandoning the family, no support, no visitation, unknown whereabouts, abuse, etc.</p>
<p>Schools do not consider it to be a 'special circumstance" just because an affluent NCP doesn’t want to pay, and the child really wants to go to school there. Otherwise, all NCPs would refuse to pay.</p>
<p>You can try using a letter with an explanation, but again, it sounds like your ex has been in your child’s life…so the school is likely just going to treat the situation as one where an affluent NCP doesn’t want to pay. This is the same situation for kids with married parents who don’t want to pay.</p>
<p>I realize that this new change (request for NCP info) has really turned things on its head for your D’s dreams. It’s unfortunate that this school implemented this change at this time, and not much earlier.</p>
<p>Thanks mom2collegekids - it was a surprise. This is all so frustrating, especially considering her dad has the ability to pay, but won’t. There was another really great school that we took off her list several months ago due to the NCP form being required there as well. Oh well - she’s the kind of kid that will make the best of any situation and she’ll be great no matter which school she attends. Thanks again.</p>