<p>Hey CC users!
I'm applying to college ( :O ) with the common app, and to put things very simply, I'm very confused when it comes to financial aid.
My father has been unemployed for the past year, so I naturally wanted to apply for financial aid. However, when I checked the box for "common app waiver", a list of qualifications popped up, one being "eligible for the free lunch program", and my family is not qualified for any of these.
Does this mean that I will not be able to apply for financial aid? Does it differ from college to college?
Thanks in advance! Happy summer & good luck to my fellow apply-ers :-)</p>
<p>Anyone can apply for financial aid. Try the Net Price Calculators at some schools of interest to see what kind of aid you might get.</p>
<p>You might also want to read the Financial Aid FAQ at the top of this forum.</p>
<p>Thanks! 10 char</p>
<p>I’m wondering if the “common app waiver” would be a fee waiver for applications? If so, you would likely need to demonstrate significant low income and one way to do so is to qualify for a means tested benefit like free lunch or food stamps…which require a low income threshold.</p>
<p>We’re you hoping for application fee waivers?</p>
<p>You absolutely CAN and should apply for financial aid.</p>
<p>The common app waiver is the fee waiver for the common app itself. But even if you don’t meet the specific qualifications for the fee waiver (free lunch, etc.), your high school guidance counselor can still contact any college on your behalf and request an application fee waiver if you need one. So, idonteatsushi, you can apply for financial aid AND application fee waivers if you need them.</p>
<p>Since your dad has been unemployed, maybe you should check with your school to find out if you DO qualify for free/reduced lunch. Maybe now you do.</p>
<p>Do ask your counselor what fee waivers s/he can obtain for you, given your circumstances, and also any other benefits, including that free lunch, for which you might be eligible. Also check the colleges out individually as to how you might get application fee waivers. My son got more of his app fees waived through on line, on site and just asking, and we don’t qualify for reduced fees or waivers based on finances.</p>
<p>ALso see if your father/family qualifies for dislocated worker status for FAFSA.</p>