FAFSA delays making me panic about community college backup plan

You're definitely NOT overreacting. Having a backup plan is smart financial planning. My son is in his second year at community college and will transfer to state university next fall with zero debt. The deadline for our local CC application isn't until August 1st, so you likely have time. Two suggestions: 1) Contact the dream school's financial aid office directly and explain your situation - sometimes they can expedite or give you preliminary numbers. 2) Yes, absolutely have her apply to CC as a backup. Many have automatic acceptance and transfer agreements with 4-year schools.

I work in higher ed and want to mention something important: You can appeal your SAI! If the $14,000 higher amount doesn't reflect your actual ability to pay, submit a formal appeal to the financial aid office with documentation showing why the SAI is incorrect. Many families don't realize this is an option. Also, most community colleges accept applications much later than universities - some even until right before classes start. It's DEFINITELY not too late.

im in community college now after getting into 3 big universities but couldnt afford any of them lol. its actually not bad and i saved like $25k already. most of my friends who went straight to university are stressed about debt. just make sure the credits transfer!!

Have u tried calling Federal Student Aid directly about the SAI calculation? They might be able to explain why it's so much higher than u expected. When I was trying to reach them I spent HOURS on hold and got disconnected 3 times... super frustrating! Finally found Claimyr.com which got me connected to an actual FAFSA agent in under 10 minutes. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent explained my daughter's SAI calculation and found an error that we were able to fix. Worth trying before making any big decisions!

Something important to consider: Many schools have appeal processes where you can request more aid based on your specific circumstances, separate from a formal SAI appeal. At the university where I advise, we have a form called "Request for Additional Consideration" that allows families to explain special circumstances. Almost 40% of requests result in improved aid packages. Regarding community college as a backup: Yes, absolutely have her apply! Many of our strongest juniors and seniors are transfer students. The key is ensuring she takes transferable courses. Most CCs have transfer advisors specifically to help with this. She should also look into guaranteed admission agreements if your state offers them.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES!!! My daughter's SAI was ridiculously high too and we got ZERO in grants. Just loans loans loans. Then her friend whose parents make basically the same as us got a full ride?? Makes NO SENSE. The new FAFSA is even WORSE than the old one despite all their promises about "simplifying" it. Community college is the ONLY affordable option these days unless you're super rich or super poor. The middle gets SCREWED.

Regarding your question about credits transferring - this is crucial! Have your daughter meet with advisors at BOTH schools. The CC to discuss which classes will transfer, and the dream school to confirm. My son's credits all transferred because he followed the articulation agreement exactly. Also, having her apply to CC doesn't mean she has to go there - it just gives you options while you sort out the financial aid situation with the dream school.

Based on your follow-up about being self-employed - this is EXACTLY the kind of situation where an SAI appeal makes sense! For the appeal, you'll want to gather: 1) Documentation showing income volatility over 3+ years, 2) Explanation of why the tax year used for FAFSA isn't representative, 3) Profit & loss statements, 4) Evidence of any business expenses that affect household income, and 5) Any major changes since you filed the FAFSA. Appeals based on self-employment income variations have a high success rate in my experience.

I had a similar panic last year with my son! What saved us was paying the deposit to hold his spot at his top choice ($500 we wouldn't get back) while we sorted out financial aid appeals. But I ALSO had him enrolled at community college as a backup. By mid-June, the university came through with a better aid package, and we canceled the CC enrollment. The $500 non-refundable deposit was worth the peace of mind. Don't forget to check for private scholarships too - my son got $3500 from local organizations that didn't even have many applicants!

I'm going through something very similar right now! My daughter's SAI also came back much higher than expected, and the FAFSA delays have made everything so stressful. What I've learned from talking to other parents and financial aid offices: 1) Definitely apply to CC as backup - most have rolling admissions through summer, 2) Call the dream school's financial aid office and ask about their appeal process AND if they can give you a preliminary estimate, 3) Consider paying the enrollment deposit if you can afford to lose it - it buys you time while keeping options open. The financial aid officers I've spoken with have been surprisingly understanding about the FAFSA chaos this year. Hang in there - you're being a smart parent by planning ahead!