<p>I heard from a friend that schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. now have a policy where if your combined family income is less than $80,000 a year you get a free ride to that particular school. However, if this really is true, I have a dilemma: my parents are not technically divorced, however they basically are - havent spoken in years, live in two different countries, etc. and basically my dad gives us money under the table and my mother doesnt work. How would this all work out on my college app.?</p>
<p>It actually says:</p>
<p>Reinforcing its commitment to opportunity and excellence across the economic spectrum, Harvard today (March 30) announced a significant expansion of its 2004 financial aid initiative for low- and middle-income families. Beginning with the class admitted this week, parents in families with incomes of less than $60,000 will no longer be expected to contribute to the cost of their children attending Harvard. In addition, **Harvard will reduce the contributions of families with incomes between $60,000 and $80,000. *</p>
<p>*</p>
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have a dilemma: my parents are not technically divorced, however they basically are - havent spoken in years, live in two different countries, etc. and basically my dad gives us money under the table and my mother doesnt work. How would this all work out on my college app.?
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<p>It won;t because Harvard requests the CSS profile which asks about the income and the assets of both of your parents. Your parents are still legally married there is going to be an expectation that they both pay for your education. So while your dad is giving money under the table, if harvard is on your radar, start talking to him now about being forthcoming in disclosing his income and assets.</p>