When I first filled out my FAFSA and CSS profile, I said I was going to have both of my brothers going to a state (FL) university next year, however that does not seem true anymore. One brother is considering not going to college at all (right now he is suspended from his community college due to grades). Another brother may or may not try to go to a university next fall. He may try trade school. Who knows?
The point is, these things are changing. What should I do about this? I’ve already submitted all my applications along with the CSS and FAFSA.
Well, be prepared to have to change your aid apps.
Also…your aid will be based on having 3 in college, and schools WILL check next fall…so if a school is only affordable based on aid given, understand that the aid may mostly go away once the school learns that siblings aren’t going to college…and if the aid was paid out, you have to pay it back immediately.
So what if I was only offered merit scholarships and federal loans? Will this affect me? Should I update my FAFSA and CSS profile now or later?
I’d wait to update it when you know the final situation, but do it before school starts. It shouldn’t affect merit awards (unless there is a need component) but may affect whether the federal loans are subsidized or unsubsidized.