Parents Just Lost Job...

<p>*even if the NCP IS required to pay some amount it doesn’t mean they will without a court battle. *</p>

<p>Oh, I agree! I don’t think anyone was implying that an NCP is required to pay.</p>

<p>*I was just speaking from my personal experience having dealt with FAFSA, CSS and the NCP. *</p>

<p>Does your child have an involved NCP with a high income who won’t pay anything? If not, how much does he contribute?</p>

<p>Did your child’s school ignore his income and just use yours?</p>

<p>How much is your family contribution?</p>

<p>Do you pay for your entire family contribution yourself or do you get help from relatives or another source? </p>

<p>Is there a reasonable danger that you won’t be able to cover the family contribution in a future year? If not, then no problem. :)</p>

<p>I stand by my position…if a school **includes **a high income NCP into its formula and you have no confidence that the NCP will pay his fair share each year and you have no means to cover it yourself, then why would you choose to attend that school and not choose a school where finances the financial situation is more assured?</p>

<p>I don’t rule out all schools that require NCP info when the NCP won’t pay and/or file. I have said many times that a student should apply to a couple just to see, but be prepared by having affordable back-ups. </p>

<p>*Some of them may be surprisingly generous to a high stats kid that they want. *</p>

<p>I agree. And when I mentioned that on another thread I got flamed. LOL Those who posted said that these schools have too many high stats kids so those kids aren’t special. When I gave an example, I still got pooh-poohed. Oh well.</p>

<p>I may have taken it too literally maybe when you wrote:
“Also, if your NCP’s family has a good income, but that family will not be contributing a fair share towards your education, then do not apply to schools that require NCP info.” You meant do not apply ONLY to schools that require NCP? With that I definitely agree.</p>

<p>My childrens’ NCP ( who makes more than I and has MUCH lower living expenses) is required by state law to pay 1/2 of the state flagship (for college) and 1/2 of the private high school (boarding). For 3 years he paid nothing. I have no living parents and my siblings all have their own kids in school too. I think we are ok going forward BUT there is always the risk I could lose my job. I have some savings remaining and home equity (if all hell breaks loose) but will hang in the best I can! Those 1/2 portions do not include all the expenses just the major ones up to max of 1/2 of state. So my daughter & I get to cover “our” 1/2 and anything over that. I will say our experience (with FA) was very good, there were a number of schools that would have been doable, not easy - but doable. Schools with generous aid include non-ivies (not aimed at you M2K).</p>

<p>Hi NewEnglandMother,</p>

<p>My NCP will be cooperating so I guess I should be fine. I’m just wary whether or not I should still ED to Columbia or not.</p>

<p>OP - the decision to do ED is a big decision. If all parties agree (Both parents & student) then it may be a good idea. From the Project on Student Debt it indicates that “need” is met with grants & work study. That means you could still take student loans if need be. Check out Columbia’s pledge - they have required amounts from student (take note)</p>

<p>[Project</a> on Student Debt: Institution Details](<a href=“http://projectonstudentdebt.org/pc_view.php?idx=40]Project”>http://projectonstudentdebt.org/pc_view.php?idx=40)</p>

<p>BUT make sure this is still the case - some schools have changed their financial aid policies in the economic downturn. I wish you luck! If you decide to do ED make sure you are prepared to change course mid December (just in case) and be prepared to submit apps to other schools if Columbia doesn’t work out (though I hope it does - my Dad went there).</p>

<p>Yes, I meant to say to not only apply to schools that require NCP info. </p>

<p>My childrens’ NCP ( who makes more than I and has MUCH lower living expenses) is required by state law to pay 1/2 of the state flagship (for college) and 1/2 of the private high school (boarding). For 3 years he paid nothing. I have no living parents and my siblings all have their own kids in school too. I think we are ok going forward BUT there is always the risk I could lose my job. I have some savings remaining and home equity (if all hell breaks loose) but will hang in the best I can! Those 1/2 portions do not include all the expenses just the major ones up to max of 1/2 of state. So my daughter & I get to cover “our” 1/2 and anything over that. I will say our experience (with FA) was very good, there were a number of schools that would have been doable, not easy - but doable. Schools with generous aid include non-ivies</p>

<p>Are you saying that you have to pay all of your kids’ boarding school costs? If your ex hasn’t paid half of the boarding school cost, why do you think he’ll continue to pay “half of state” for college? Maybe I’m confused. Are you saying that he’s paid his “state half” for college this fall semester, but refused to pay his half for boarding school? If so, I wonder why all of the sudden he’s contributing when he wouldn’t before?</p>