Some FAFSA/CSS questions

[CIA]

<p>I'm a HS Class of 11 student but I'm trying to think things through now. Our situation is a little complicated.</p>

<p>Do either take into account the money that your stepfather makes? Mine is virtually unwilling to contribute to my college education (in his words, it's not his responsibility. Nice man...)</p>

<p>Do either take into account what the noncustodial parent makes?</p>

<p>Is there a place where I can see an example of each application? I know you can see the FAFSA online but how about the CSS?</p>

[swimcatsmom]

<p>FAFSA requires that you report the income and assets of the custodial parent and their spouse. Their unwillingness to contribute does not matter, their data is required and will affect your eligibility for financial aid. From FAFSA:</p>

<p>

A stepparent is treated in the same manner as a biological parent if the stepparent is married, as of the date of application, to the biological parent whose information will be reported on the FAFSA, or if the stepparent has legally adopted you. There are no exceptions. Prenuptial agreements do not exempt the stepparent from providing required data on the FAFSA. Note that the stepparent’s income information for the entire year prior to application, 2009, must be reported even if your parent and stepparent were not married until after the start of 2009, but were married prior to the date the FAFSA was completed.

</p>

<p>For CSS the custodial parent and spouse are required. Whether non custodial parent info is required will depend on the school you are applying to. Many CSS schools do require non custodial parent and it will impact your eligibility for aid. Some do not require it. I believe more do require non custodial than do not. You would have to check with the schools you are interested in.</p>

[CIA]

<p>Thanks for that Swimcatsmom. Combined, my mom and stepdad make about 60k. My biological dad is unemployed. </p>

<p>Where does that put me as far as grants, etc. are concerned? This whole process is so confusing and it’s making my head spin.</p>

[thumper1]

<p>

Do either take into account the money that your stepfather makes? Mine is virtually unwilling to contribute to my college education (in his words, it’s not his responsibility. Nice man…)

</p>

<p>As Swimcatsmom pointed out…your stepfather’s income and assets will be required on BOTH the FAFSA and the Profile. He is a member of your FAMILY. Non-custodial parent info is required for the Profile by some schools. </p>

<p>

[Do either take into account what the noncustodial parent makes?

</p>

<p>Non-custodial parent (and spouse if there is one) is required by some Profile schools. You’ll need to check each of your schools to see if this applies. </p>

<p>But I have to ask…if your NCP has no income, why would this matter to you?</p>

<p>

Is there a place where I can see an example of each application? I know you can see the FAFSA online but how about the CSS?

</p>

<p>Check the College Board website. Maybe they have a sample.</p>

[mom2collegekids]

<p>*Where does that put me as far as grants, etc. are concerned? This whole process is so confusing and it’s making my head spin. *</p>

<p>With a family income of $60k, you may not qualify for much (if anything) in federal grants (Pell, etc). How many people are living in your household?</p>

<p>Some here might know…</p>

<p>What state are you in? What are your stats? GPA? ACT? SAT? </p>

<p>Will your mom contribute any of her income towards your education?</p>

<p>You may need to target schools that will give you some big merit scholarships - depending on your stats.</p>