<p>My parents are divorced, and I live with my mom. My dad is in another state and does pay child support. I see him on occasion, but he spends a lot of time working overseas. my mom is unemployed, and my dad makes about 60k a year (more when overseas). However, he can't contribute much to my college fund because my stepmom has a lot of medical bill debt. I'm not filed in his taxes, nor am I a dependent of his. How will his income affect my financial aid package?</p>
<p>I depends on the college. Some (mainly private colleges, but certainly not all of those) will require his financial information in order for you to complete your financial aid application. However, at 60K a year, it’s not likely his income will have a huge impact on your aid award. Still, it’s difficult to tell you much without knowing more. You need to apply to a range of schools, including at least one you can afford. In your circumstances that probably means including a school to which you can commute from home. Depending on your grades/test scores, etc., you may have other options, but you definitely need to find an affordable option as a fall back.</p>
<p>Your father’s information will not matter for the FAFSA.</p>
<p>Your father’s information will matter for most of the colleges/universities that require the CSS Profile. It will also matter for most of the ones that require their own financial aid forms. If your father does need to file his financial information, he can also include a note about the situation with the medical debt. Some colleges/universities will take that into account.</p>
<p>Good luck with everything!</p>