I’m considering applying, but before I do, I want to clarify a question I have regarding financial aid. If my parents are divorced, and I have lived with my mom (who has fully financially supported me) since I was 4, are my dad’s finances needed to calculate my aid? My mom makes 50,000k< while my dad makes maybe 3-4 times that amount (rough estimate, I do not know how much he makes). Will USC consider my situation & understand that my dad may not even be able to help me if he chooses not to? From what I’ve read it sounds like I will be penalized by how much he makes but how will I be able to afford USC if he doesn’t intend on helping me?
USC will include both parents income in its calculations. The only way they would exclude your fathers income and assets is if you received a NCP waiver. My son received one as my ex was a mentally ill drug addict and completely destitute. Given your Dads income it doesn’t sound like you would qualify for a waiver.