Fee Assistance Program - Poverty level does not adjust for location

[MT2MD]

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So to be able to qualify for FAP, you have to make 300% below the poverty level, but it does not adjust for your cost of living in different city. I mean, making 35k/yr in living NYC is very different from let say Alabama. I am sad now 🙁

 

[kansaskid]

So to be able to qualify for FAP, you have to make 300% below the poverty level, but it does not adjust for your cost of living in different city. I mean, making 35k/yr in living NYC is very different from let say Alabama. I am sad now 🙁

That's an interesting observation. I think something they do well is considering the number of people in the family that the income is supporting. A two person household making 35k is way different than a 6 person household on 35k regardless of city.

 

[SilentSoldier]

to my understanding, it doesn't seem that the FAP adjusts for anything. You still have to enter data even as an independent, doesn't factor cost of living, or anything like that. I'm sure there's some reason behind it but I don't know what it could be. In the end, I'm really just glad that I qualify

 

[slatermd]

 

[kansaskid]

In the end, I'm really just glad that I qualify

amen, brother. Me, too!

 

[rHinO1]

That's an interesting observation. I think something they do well is considering the number of people in the family that the income is supporting. A two person household making 35k is way different than a 6 person household on 35k regardless of city.

I think they do a crap job of adjusting for anything.

For example, I am a 29 year old single father with a 9-year old son. Yet, they still include my parents finances, and for fee assistance purposes, I am considered a family of four (my parents, myself, and my son). Basically, I'm considered the same as a 22 year old kid with a brother (also a family of four: parents, student, and brother). Very different situations, but same consideration.

 

[kansaskid]

I think they do a crap job of adjusting for anything.

For example, I am a 29 year old single father with a 9-year old son. Yet, they still include my parents finances, and for fee assistance purposes, I am considered a family of four (my parents, myself, and my son). Basically, I'm considered the same as a 22 year old kid with a brother (also a family of four: parents, student, and brother). Very different situations, but same consideration.

Man, that is wonky. I had the same issues when I applied to college. They don't really care who is actually providing support to whom. They only care about whether or not the money is there. My stepdad, for example, had nothing to do with me, but his income was considered anyway which always screwed me over. Luckily for me and med school applications, he and my mom are now divorced so his income is irrelevant. Nothing has changed in my financial situation, but NOW I can actually get assistance. Yeah, the whole process is messed up, especially for people right on the border. I'm very fortunate I made the cut this year, otherwise I'd be scrambling to apply to maybe two schools. Yay for FAP!

 

[MT2MD]

I know, it really sucks. The rent is too damn high in NYC!!!!