Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! We're going to pursue the dependency override path with all the documentation suggestions you've provided. She's going to 1) submit the FAFSA indicating parent info isn't available, 2) gather statements from counselors/teachers/adults who know her situation, 3) document all her expenses, 4) highlight the contradiction between her dad claiming her on taxes while threatening eviction, and 5) request an in-person meeting with financial aid. We'll also look into vocational rehabilitation services through the state and check if the college has a TRIO program. If anyone has successfully navigated this process and has any other tips, please share them!

I went through a dependency override process last year and want to emphasize something that helped me a lot - timing your submission strategically. Since you mentioned graduation is only 2 months away, I'd recommend she submit her FAFSA and override request ASAP, but also have a backup plan ready. What really helped in my case was getting a letter from my high school's social worker (not just the counselor) because they're trained to document these types of family situations professionally. If her school has one, definitely reach out to them. Also, when she meets with financial aid, she should ask about their appeals timeline and what happens if the override isn't approved before enrollment deadlines. Some schools will allow provisional enrollment or delayed payment plans while the override is being processed. Don't let them tell her she just has to wait - there are usually interim solutions available if you push for them. Good luck to your niece! The system is frustrating but it IS possible to get through it with the right documentation and persistence.

My twins are juniors now and DEFINITELY fill out fafsa every year!!! Even if u think u won't get anything! My husband and I made around 80k when they started and they both got pell grants plus subsidized loans. BUT the amount changed every year based on our income. Their sophomore year we made more (around 95k) and they got less grant money. The school matters too - my daughter got more institutional scholarships at her private college than my son did at state school.

With your income level around $87k, you're right in that tricky middle-class zone where aid can be unpredictable, but absolutely still fill out the FAFSA! At minimum, your son will qualify for federal Direct Loans ($5,500 freshman year), and depending on your exact SAI calculation, you might get some Pell Grant money - even partial Pell grants can be $1,000-3,000 which adds up over four years. The real key is applying to a mix of schools with different aid philosophies. Some state schools are stingy with aid but have lower sticker prices, while certain private colleges might surprise you with generous institutional grants to bring costs down to state school levels. Also, don't overlook work-study - it's not just about the money, but gives students valuable work experience and helps with networking. One tip: when you get aid offers, don't be afraid to appeal if your circumstances have changed or if one school offered significantly more than another. Financial aid offices have some flexibility, especially at private institutions. Good luck!

Thank you all for the advice! I feel a bit less panicked now. We're going to: 1) Wait for all financial aid packages before deciding, 2) Appeal for additional aid based on medical expenses, 3) Look into smaller scholarships, 4) Consider community college courses for the summer, and 5) Make an appointment with the financial aid office at his top choice school to discuss options. I'll post an update when we figure this out. This system is definitely frustrating, but your suggestions have given us more paths to explore.

As someone who went through this exact situation two years ago, I completely understand the panic! My daughter had a similar SAI and we faced that same sticker shock. One thing that really helped us was creating a detailed 4-year financial plan that included potential salary increases, her summer earnings, and projected loan payments after graduation. It made the numbers feel more manageable when we could see the full picture. Also, don't overlook your son's major - some programs have additional scholarships or co-op opportunities that can significantly offset costs. The financial aid office at his preferred school should be able to connect you with department-specific funding opportunities. You're already on the right track by exploring all your options before making any final decisions!

Just to clarify some information - the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year will 100% open on October 1, 2024, barring any unexpected announcements from Federal Student Aid. For your son's financial aid as a freshman in 2025, you'll report your 2023 tax information (not 2024). This is called prior-prior year reporting. The simplified FAFSA will import more tax data directly from the IRS using the Data Retrieval Tool, but you'll still need to answer questions about assets and household information. I strongly recommend completing the form within the first few weeks it's available. Even though the federal deadline isn't until June 2026, many state and institutional aid programs have much earlier deadlines, some as early as December or January.

As someone who just went through this process with my daughter last year, I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped us navigate the FAFSA successfully: 1. Create a dedicated email folder for all FAFSA and financial aid correspondence - you'll get a lot of emails from schools and Federal Student Aid, and staying organized is crucial. 2. Take screenshots of each page as you complete the FAFSA. If the system crashes or you lose your progress (which happened to us twice), having visual records of what you entered saves time. 3. Double-check your Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation once you receive your FAFSA Submission Summary. If it seems way off from what you expected, don't hesitate to contact the school's financial aid office directly. 4. Start gathering bank statements and investment account balances from the date you plan to submit your FAFSA. The form asks for account balances "as of today" when you submit. The earlier you complete it after October 1st, the better your chances for need-based aid. Good luck to you and your son!

Thank you everyone for all this incredible advice! I feel much less lost now. I'm going to: 1. Request a professional judgment review due to my reduced income 2. Look into Ohio-specific grants and scholarships 3. Have my son apply for every institutional scholarship possible 4. Consider the federal direct loans (but try to minimize) 5. Learn more about appealing the final aid package It's still frustrating that the system puts families like ours in this position, but at least we have some direction now. I'll update once we hear back from the financial aid office!

Hi Gabrielle! As a newcomer here but someone who just went through this exact situation last year, I wanted to share what worked for us. My husband and I are both teachers (combined income around $95k) and faced the same "too much for aid, not enough to pay" dilemma. A few things that really helped: 1) Ohio College Opportunity Grant - make sure you apply! It's income-based and goes up to families making around $100k. 2) Many Ohio public universities have specific "Educator Family" scholarships that aren't well-publicized - call admissions directly and ask. 3) The professional judgment review was a game-changer for us when I had reduced hours due to a family emergency. Also, don't overlook having your son work part-time during college. Work-study positions at universities often pay better than typical student jobs and are more flexible with class schedules. Our daughter covers about $4k/year of her expenses this way. The system definitely feels rigged against middle-class families, especially educators. But there ARE options if you dig deep enough. Wishing you the best of luck!