Is FAFSA worth it with high income? Need realistic advice on financial aid options

ALWAYS complete the FAFSA, regardless of income. Yes, with $145k family income, your SAI will likely be high and you probably won't qualify for need-based federal grants like Pell. However, many schools require a completed FAFSA for ALL types of aid, including merit scholarships. Also, having a completed FAFSA gives you access to federal student loans which have better terms than private loans if you do need to borrow. With your 3.7 GPA and 1360 SAT, you have decent negotiating power for merit aid at many schools. Focus on schools where your stats put you in the top 25% of their admitted students - they'll often offer more to attract you.

my family made like 130k when i applied and i still got some money!! not from fafsa directly but the school gave me partial tuition scholarship after seeing my fafsa info. definitely do it it takes like an hour tops

Your situation is exactly why people need to understand what FAFSA actually does. It's not just a "loan application" - it's a comprehensive financial snapshot that schools use to determine your entire aid package. With your stats (3.7 GPA/1360 SAT) and family income ($145k), here's what will likely happen: 1. Your SAI will be too high for federal grants like Pell 2. You'll qualify for federal loans (which have better protections than private loans) 3. Schools will use your FAFSA information to determine institutional aid The key here is point #3. Many colleges have their own funds they distribute based on both merit AND need. Some have special scholarships for students in specific income brackets (including middle/upper-middle income). Also, FAFSA is often required for state-based financial aid programs which may have different income thresholds than federal aid. Complete the FAFSA, then focus on: - Schools where your stats are above their averages - Private scholarships (check with employers, community organizations, professional associations in fields you're interested in) - Schools known for generous aid to middle-income families Don't forget to look into community college articulation agreements for your first two years. This can save you $30-50k.

I CANT STAND how the whole system works!!!! My parents made just enough to disqualify me from most aid but NOT ENOUGH to actually pay for college! Ended up with $97k in debt for a freaking bachelor's degree. The whole "expected family contribution" formula is RIDICULOUS - just because they THINK your family can afford something doesn't mean they CAN! My advice? Fill out FAFSA but DON'T COUNT ON IT. Look at state schools, community college, anything to keep costs down. And seriously consider apprenticeships or trade programs that PAY YOU instead of the other way around. Traditional college is becoming a debt trap for middle class kids.

Has anyone here had success actually getting through to someone at Federal Student Aid to discuss options? I've been trying to call for days about my daughter's unusual income situation (similar family income as OP) and keep hitting dead ends. The automated system just disconnects me after 30+ minutes of waiting!

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! I'm definitely going to complete the FAFSA now - sounds like it opens more doors than it closes. I'm also going to look into those CC articulation agreements. My parents would probably be relieved if I did 2 years at community college first to save money. Anyone have experience with transferring from CC to a 4-year? Did you feel like you missed out on the "college experience"?

To answer your follow-up question about researching schools that are generous with middle-income families: Check out colleges that meet "full demonstrated need" or have "no-loan" policies for certain income brackets. Schools like Rice, Vanderbilt, and Washington & Lee have strong aid programs for families in the $100-200k range. Also look at public universities in your state with significant merit scholarship programs. Many state flagships offer excellent merit packages to keep high-achieving students in-state. Resources to use: - Each college's net price calculator (required by law) - College Board's BigFuture scholarship search - The "Common Data Set" for each school (Google the school name + "common data set") Regarding community college transfers: As someone mentioned, the key is confirming articulation agreements before you start. Well-planned CC pathways can be excellent, and many students find they appreciate the "college experience" more when they're not taking on massive debt for it.

hey remember that the new FAFSA for 2025-2026 is way different!! they changed to the "SAI" (Student Aid Index) instead of EFC and theres less questions but sometimes weird results. my parents income is similar to yours but when we did the new form my sister got more aid than i did using the old formula last year. worth trying!!

Another thing to consider: apply to MORE schools than you think you should! I only applied to 3 and regret it. My friend applied to 12 and ended up at her 10th choice because they gave her a $21k/year merit scholarship that made it cheaper than her state school! Schools compete for good students, especially if your stats are above their averages.

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who was in almost the exact same situation last year - parents made $140k, 3.8 GPA, 1380 SAT. I was SO hesitant to fill out FAFSA because everyone kept telling me it was pointless. I'm so glad I did it anyway! Here's what happened: - Got $0 in federal grants (as expected) - BUT qualified for subsidized federal loans (interest doesn't accrue while in school) - My state university gave me a $6k/year merit scholarship that required FAFSA completion - Another school offered me $12k/year in institutional aid after seeing my FAFSA The key thing I learned is that schools often use FAFSA data to determine if you qualify for their own need-based aid programs, which can have different income cutoffs than federal programs. Some schools have specific aid pools for families earning $100-180k who don't qualify for federal grants but still need help. Also pro tip: if your parents have any unusual financial circumstances (medical bills, job loss, caring for elderly parents, etc.), you can appeal your aid package with documentation. Schools have professional judgment authority to adjust your SAI. Definitely fill it out - worst case scenario you're in the same position you'd be in without it, best case you get unexpected aid!