<p>Interesting, kelsmom. I am assuming they make no distinction between the parent who doesn't work because he/she is helping an elderly/disabled relative and the parent whose salary isn't needed to support the household who doesn't "want" to work. </p>
<p>Where did you find out about that fact about FAFSA? Is there a place that lists that kind of info in plain English? I was reading the pdf called "The EFC Formula 2008-2009" on the FAFSA website, but couldn't find that info. </p>
<p>Also, if the second parent does work and earns less than 10K, does the FAFSA assess the difference as a penalty?</p>
<p>I couldn't find anything to support this, and I have to go to bed. I will try to dig it up tomorrow, though. I have a government print out somewhere that details everything that goes into the calculations. But try it yourself ... use an EFC calculator & put in a fake family situation. Try it with 2 parents & 0 earnings for the second parent. Then try raising it $1000 at a time. I am almost certain that you will see no change until you get over $10,000. I think if you try it with one parent, the numbers are lower. Someone here on CC pointed this out. I tried it & it worked for me.</p>
<p>If a parent needed to stay home for a particular reason, this could be handled by appealing to the financial aid office at the school. Professional judgment is allowed, and each school has different policies.</p>
<p>Thanks, kelsmom. I'll try it tomorrow. I have to go to bed, too.</p>
<p>People,there's got to be a better way! IMO To guarantee a higher education to those who academiclly qualify,but require full financial merit we offer placement. Give them a choice of lets' say 3 public universities that match close to their desired major. If not desirable they can opt out for current system. Those who qualify for partial aid, scale amount given to schools selected for them, if not satisfied again can opt out for current system. Due away with OOS tuition fee all the state public universities.Their are many colleges out there that are begging for students but for location or so called lack of prestige are overlooked. Burden would be shared by all since public universities are federally assisted anyway. Private schools would still compete for top students. I really haven't given this much thought but we can do better! Any ideas?</p>
<p>Happy to hear that they feel that both parents can contribute. I could also stay at home, but my children are in college and I must help out by going to work...damn proud and happy to do it!! Where is the idea among parents that it is both and honor and a privilege to pay for your own children?? Count me among those who consider it a blessing! For those who cannot work, fine. For those who will not work, sorry, I do not agree. For those who need aid, great, so happy that our FA system can help, for those who "game" the system, sorry, I think that it is wrong.</p>
<p>Well said, foto2gem.</p>
<p>Yes, and what about all the students out there whose parents DO recieve that exceptionally large paycheck, yet do NOT intend to contribute a penny to their childs tuition.</p>
<p>Those students will not recieve any need based aid, even if they deserve it.</p>
<p>foto2gem, I stayed home for many years. The plan was that I would begin working again when my oldest was in 9th grade. Unfortunately, the economy in my state began to collapse about that time ... something I could not have foreseen. I have a degree from a very good school, professional work experience, and many years of volunteering (with much responsibility). Last year was the first year in the 5 I have been back to work that I broke $10,000 (not by much, mind you). I am proof that it isn't always easy to work --- and actually MAKE $10,000 --- even if one is able to do so. I am more than willing to work hard! After years of sending out resumes, I finally have ONE interview scheduled for a job that will pay decently (less than I was making when I left full time work 19 years ago, mind you). By the way, the many new jobs our governor is excited about pay about $7 an hour. That doesn't add up to much over the course of a year. </p>
<p>We're not all out to game the system. Some of us just thought life would work out differently than it has.</p>
<p>kelsmom, when I was laid off from my programming job in 1989 (I worked until the day my son was born and was told I was being laid off when I went to get my paycheck 2 weeks later) it took me until 1998 to get back to the salary I left in 1989 (32K)</p>
<p>I've doubled my salary in the ten years since then but I feel like I'm back to where I started (because so much costs 2x what it did in 1989)</p>
<p>I am proud that I can pay my 12K Efc out of savings.</p>
<p>I do want to make it clear that I am not complaining about my own situation or the financial aid I have received. I don't expect anything & have been grateful for what has been offered to date. I just wanted to point out that not everyone who is jobless or earning less than she "should" is a sloth! :)</p>
<p>kelsmom...so not talking about those who are trying to work. Only you know your situation.</p>