<p>A little background:
My parents have been divorced for 12 years. My dad doesn't like to part with his money unless he knows there is a legal obligation for him to do so. He pays child support but is counting down the days until I graduate from HS so he can stop. When my sister graduated from HS, my parents had to go to court to settle who would have to contribute how much for school. The court decided 1/3 of cost mother, 1/3 student, 1/3 father. I know for a fact that I am going to get the same "deal" for paying for my school. I live with my mom and see my dad only occasionally. </p>
<p>I'm applying to all state schools because I simply can't afford any private/out-of-state schools. Me and my mom decided NOT to put anything about my father on my applications, especially financially. He make a substantial amount of money, but won't part with it (~$100K my mom has told me, but I don't actually have an idea). We thought that putting anything financially about him on my app would surely destroy any amount of scholarships/grants I would get from the schools because he makes so much. I only put my mom on my applications, she makes ~15k/year. </p>
<p>QUESTIONS:
Since I didn't put my dad on my app, will it hurt my chances at getting aid? I mean, it may look like I'm only putting my mom down because she makes so little that they might think I'm doing it because I think I will get more aid (if that makes any sense...). </p>
<p>Do schools only give aid to kids who put both parents down, "truly" showing demonstrated need?</p>
<p>Will the school think that I am lying in an attempt to get more aid?</p>
<p>Was I obligated to put my dad down on my app even though I know he WILL NOT contribute anything unless the court orders it (and the court won't order anything more than 1/3)?</p>
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<p>Thanks a lot, now that I've applied to most schools, I'm starting to stress out about the reality of things--like money.</p>
<p>If you are applying to schools that only require FAFSA for financial aid then you are only required to report the financial information of the parent you live with (and their spouse if there is one). Most State schools do not promise to meet full need but if your Mom's income is only $15k you should qualify for Federal aid. Make sure you file FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. </p>
<p>If any of your schools require CSS then you will have to report your father's financial information as well.</p>
<p>If your parents make a total of $115K and don't have substantial assets, don't rule out private colleges, they could well be the same price as your state school at colleges that give good aid.</p>
<p>Yea, from what Ive heard private college financial aid is very good for a lot of schools, actually might turn out cheaper than private colleges. Also, about your father, Im pretty sure you should just speak with someone who has been doing this for a while like a counselor because theres definitely a specific clause somewhere in the books about what happens in this case.
Either way you can probably hide it though :P</p>
<p>Agreed...if you are apply to most state schools, your dad's financial information will not be needed IF they use only the FAFSA. There are a couple of state schools that use the Profile (which WILL require your dad's info whether he intends to pay or not). </p>
<p>By the way...if your parents are paying 2/3 of the costs and you 1/3, this should be manageable for you at most state schools with the Stafford loan, a summer job, and a job during the school year (10 hours a week or so). </p>
<p>To be honest, many students in your situation are facing no help from EITHER parent.</p>
<p>Don't lie. If the form requires the noncustodial parent info, you need to either give it or write a letter to the college financial aid office requesting consideration for a special circumstances adjustment. </p>
<p>If you leave off your dad, the aid office will probably request financial info for him (if they require it). If you don't provide it, you won't get your aid. It's that simple. </p>
<p>If you feel that you should be granted an exception to the rules, you need to plead your case to the aid office. They may or may not waive the requirement to provide dad's info. If they won't waive it & you can't get it ... a FAFSA school or a Profile school that doesn't use the noncustodial parent form is your best bet.</p>