marriage/fafsa question

[jackal307]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Ok, I'm getting married in June and am wondering what this is going to do to my estimated contribution for school. I spoke to my school's finaid department yesterday and they said that everything thats not my estimated contribution will still be covered by the mountain of loans that I get.
Does it make a difference if we file jointly (for the tax break for him) or not? My fiance works as a engineer and makes good money, but we don't want to live like hobos because of my school taking all his money. I currently have no estimated contribution from either myself or my parents.
Anybody with experience here want to fill me in on what actually happens?
thanks!

 

[Jolie South]

You'll still qualify for all the loans up to the cost of attendance in Staffords/Grad Plus. What might change is the amount of subsidized Stafford loans. I don't know if filing jointly will make a difference or not.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

You'll still qualify for all the loans up to the cost of attendance in Staffords/Grad Plus. What might change is the amount of subsidized Stafford loans. I don't know if filing jointly will make a difference or not.

And that probably won't be affected either because subsidized staffords are limited to $8500/year. Your cost of attendance would have to be pretty low (rare even at state schools now) and your spouse would have to make real bank to notice an effect. Also, some schools offer substantial need-based grants/scholarships, and your husband's income might affect your eligibility for those.

Filing jointly or separately doesn't make a difference for financial aid. You still have to disclose your spouse's income/assets on the FAFSA.

 

[jackal307]

ok, thanks for the report 🙂
I go to drexel, and they don't offer any scholarship ever (I got $1000 this year, and I'm as poor as they come) so I don't mind if somehow they figure I don't qualify. It would only be for one year anyway.
thanks!