<p>2010-11 is a closed year, so the OP would not owe anything for “last year.”</p>
<p>2011-12 is the current year, and yes … uncovering a mistake now will mean that the student has to repay money. I have unfortunately had to be the bearer of such bad tidings to students at this late point in the year.</p>
<p>I think the best place to start is with the 2011-12 FAFSA, which you can still see online. Please look at it … did you say yes to any of the dependency questions in the student section (questions 45-57)? Most common incorrect yes answers are for “in guardianship (Q54),” and “have a legal dependent other than a spouse (Q51).” Question 47 is another one students sometimes incorrectly answer yes to. If all are no, then look at the degree type questions, Q29 and Q30. Did you answer 6 or 7 for Q29? Or did you answer 8 for Q30? </p>
<p>If none of these apply, let me know … I will give you some other things to look at. I am betting, however, that you incorrectly answered one of the above.</p>