<p>Hello CC!</p>
<p>I have a question:
How much does properties (houses etc) matter to the amount of financial aid you receive? Given that the income is substantially low (under 20k).</p>
<p>Actually, here’s my situation:</p>
<p>My parents were never married, my dad takes custodial of me and my mom takes custodial of my brother. We keep contact like once every two weeks. Both my parents’ income are substantially low - under 20k. However, my mom does have a few properties. Given that my mom is a non-custodial parent and is not willing to pay for my education since she has to take care of my brother, will that have an affect on the amount of financial aid I can receive from private schools? I mean, logic tells me no but I’m not sure how the system works here in the US.</p>
<p>Thank you very much.</p>
<p>*However, my mom does have a few properties. Given that my mom is a non-custodial parent and is not willing to pay for my education since she has to take care of my brother, will that have an affect on the amount of financial aid I can receive from private schools? *</p>
<p>Many private schools (often the ones that give the best aid) will consider the assets of the non-custodial parent. If your mom has properties additional to her home, those assets would be considered. It doesn’t matter that she won’t contribute to your education. If parents could just refuse to help, then all would qualify for aid. </p>
<p>Are you an international?</p>
<p>However, there are some privates that don’t ask for NCP info. If you’re needing a lot of aid, then you’ll have to target those who give a lot of aid AND don’t ask for NCP info. (BTW…just because they don’t ask for CSS - NCP, doesn’t mean that they won’t have their own form that asks about NCP’s info. So, check.)</p>
<p>If you’re applying to top ivies, like Harvard, then perhaps your mom’s properties won’t make much difference if they aren’t worth a whole lot.</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply.</p>
<p>Nope, I’m not an international. </p>
<p>Back on topic, so if I’m understanding correctly… Non-custodial and custodial doesn’t matter? As long as you’re blood related, the parent would be expected to contribute to the tuition? Even if the non-custodial parent was never married to the custodial parent and never contributed money to child-care, etc?</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>Whether your parents ever married doesn’t matter. Colleges don’t care about that.</p>
<p>You misread my post a bit. Some (not all) colleges consider what non-custodial parents make/have. However, often the schools that give the most financial aid, do consider both parents.</p>
<p>Your mom has been in your life. Your parents have “split” child-rearing costs by saying one parent pays for one child, and the other pays for the other child. If your mom had no contact with you throughout your life, that would be different. But, if she’s been in your life as your mom, the fact that she has more assets can come into play at CERTAIN schools.</p>
<p>Oh, I understand now. Thank you!</p>
<p>Most state schools only use FAFSA when considering aid, therefore that would only include the financial info of your dad.</p>
<p>What schools are you applying to? reaches, matches, and financial safeties???</p>