<p>I always thought that colleges would allot need-based aid after considering your household income, whether you lived with your parents or other legal guardians. Recently, however, I heard that colleges will only consider the income of your formal parents. My parents divorced 7 years ago. My dad passed away last year (without leaving any inheritance) and my mom doesn't work. She remarried 5 years ago to my stepfather, who makes enough money to disqualify me for need-based aid (considering my previous understanding) but not enough to comfortably send me to a private university. This has been an imminent dilemna for our family. Just yesterday, however, my friend's mom told us that colleges would not consider my stepfather's income because he has not legally adopted me and only consider my mom's income and the small monthly benefit we get from the state after my dad's death. I was wondering how a financial aid board would handle my situation. If I could get need-based aid from a college, my whole family would be a little less stressed about the years ahead.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>