<p>My son is starting college in the fall. My stepson, who is a few years older was going to college, but stopped a year ago before he finished his degree.. He plans on going back in either September of January next year to finish up. However, I cannot be 100% sure he will go back. Obviously if we put 2 on the FAFSA our EFC will be lower, but it is possible that he doesn't go back. If we put 1, and he does go back - I am sure they won't readjust our aid. What would you do? What if I put 2, because I believe it to be true now and he doesn't go back?</p>
<p>Are these colleges that meet full need? If not it may not make a difference anyway.</p>
<p>None say they meet full need that I have seen. But EFC is 16K vs 32K depending on if I put 1 or 2. We truly believe he will be in college during the next school year (full time for a least one semester which is the requirement to count him). He said he was going back to finish - but I can’t be sure he won’t change his mind and take another year off.</p>
<p>I would put 2. You can always notify your son’s college that the stepson isn’t returning after all, and they may reduce the aid - but what are the chances they will increase the aid if you put 1 now, and he does end up returning?</p>