steparent's income

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi, I'm new to this board and I have a question regarding financial aid.
With the new policy of several colleges for free tution if one's parents' income is under $60,000 per year, I thought I could actually heavily conisder those private colleges. My mom's income is around $40,000 per year, which means I techinically quailify. However, my stepdad's income is around $150,000, but they file their income tax form independently. So my question is do I still qualify for those financial aid if I only repord my mom's income? Can i do that? or could I just report my mom and my biological father's income which is extremely low since he retired already. </p>

<p>Please help!!! Thanks!!</p>

2

<p>You need to include your step father’s income on all financial aid forms, FAFSA or Profile, regardless of his willingness or ability to help you pay for college. The theory is that his income contributes to your mother’s household.</p>

3

<p>For FAFSA you have to report your Mom and your stepdad. For css/profile you have to report your Mom and Stepdad and your biological Dad and his wife (if he has one).</p>

4

<p>If your mom is remarried, you MUST report her spouse’s income and assets on the FAFSA. It doesn’t matter how they file their taxes.</p>

5

<p>From the FAFSA instructions</p>

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6

<p>Only way it will work is if your mother divorces your stepfather. Otherwise, no.</p>