Something else to check - make sure the forms you received are actually federal verification forms and not the CSS Profile verification. Some private schools require both FAFSA and CSS Profile, and they each have their own verification processes. The paperwork looks similar but goes to completely different places.

In response to your question about expecting verification next year: Verification selection is partly random and partly based on certain triggers in your application. Having multiple students in college doesn't automatically trigger verification every year, but it does increase the chances. Some tips to reduce verification chances next year: 1. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when filing FAFSA 2. Double-check all figures before submitting 3. File as early as possible 4. Avoid leaving optional fields blank 5. Be consistent with information across all applications However, even with perfect applications, about 30% get selected randomly each year, so there's always a chance you'll need to go through this again.

Update: Mystery solved! I just heard back from my stepson. Turns out his school has a March 15th priority deadline for submitting the CSS Profile for institutional scholarships for 2024-2025. That's what his mom was freaking out about. And she had the year wrong too. Thank you everyone for your help! The panic has subsided. 😅

Just to add a helpful tip since this confusion is so common: I recommend creating a simple spreadsheet with columns for: - Form type (FAFSA, CSS Profile, school-specific forms) - Academic year it applies to - Opening date for submission - Deadline date (both priority and final) - Renewal requirements This has saved my family so much stress over the years as we've gone through this process with three kids!

my cousin works in financial aid and she says a lot of ppl get confused about this. parent plus is in parents name ONLY. private loans let cosigners get released sometimes. thats probly what that person at ur workshop was talkin about

One thing to consider with private loans: even though they advertise co-signer release, the requirements to actually qualify can be pretty strict. My daughter made 30 on-time payments with Sallie Mae, but she was denied co-signer release because her debt-to-income ratio wasn't strong enough yet as a recent graduate. Make sure to read all the fine print about what's required beyond just making the payments.

Thank you all for these helpful suggestions! I made a list of everything mentioned and my daughter and I will start researching this weekend. She's interested in nursing, so we'll look for healthcare-specific scholarships too. I'm going to check both the CSS Profile and our state education website today. It's such a relief to have a clearer path forward!

nobody mentioned this but some colleges have special scholarships just for international students or first generation immigrants!! my cousin got one that covered half her tuition just for being from vietnam with good grades. def check if the colleges have anything like that

I've never heard of this program! Just looked it up and it seems like Texas isn't part of the participating states unfortunately. But I wonder if there are other regional agreements I should be looking into?

You're right, I apologize - Texas isn't in WUE. For Texas residents specifically, check if your daughters qualify for any reciprocity agreements between Texas and either Colorado or Arizona. Some academic departments have their own exchange programs even when states don't have formal agreements. Worth asking both financial aid offices about any Texas-specific opportunities.