fafsa question

[Syranope2]

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so i know that we're not supposed to have to put our parents info on the fafsa since we're going into a graduate program. however, i just called my school and they said that if i wanted to apply for need-based aid, they did need my parents information on the fafsa. my friend who works in a financial aid office, however, said that if i put my parents info on the fafsa and i'm not supposed to (ie, if i'm in a graduate program), they will just send the fafsa back to me and tell me there was a problem with what i filled out. anyone know if this is true or has run into the same situation? i don't want to get my application delayed for unnecessary reasons...

 

[Adapt]

Look in the financial aid forum. I asked this question recently and received some good answers. Basically, if your parents make a lot of money, you won't get need-based aid anyway. It can only hurt you.

 

[Syranope2]

thanks slickness, that helps a bunch 😀

 

[TRUE]

As far as I understand this: You put your parental information on the FAFSA if your want to apply for school money. The federal government will completely overlook your information and not base your loan aid on that. You are completely independent. They will NOT penalize you for including it.

 

[Sharkfan]

Some schools don't even need your parents' info. I was speficially told not to bother with it at one of my interviews. Other schools do need it, however, so you should ask your school. Better to be safe and informed than sorry!

 

[jlee9531]

parental info is just for the schools.

all the schools that i have talked to said that putting down parental info can not hurt you...only help you or leave you in the same situation you were in before.

that is why most schools will tell you, even if you are independent to put down your parental info anyway.

 

[KyGrlDr2B]

The above posters are correct. Parental info does not affect federal loans, i.e. subsidized vs unsubsidized amounts. It is purely for the school's information when giving out scholarships or any other type of aid. Just add it because it's better to be safe than sorry and have to go back later and do it.

Also, moving to the financial aid forum....