Should I fill out FAFSA if my family has high income? Worth it?

YES! Always fill out the FAFSA regardless of income. Here's why: 1. Many merit scholarships require a FAFSA on file even though they're not need-based 2. Some schools won't consider you for ANY institutional aid without it 3. You might be surprised - the new SAI formula for 2025-2026 has changes that affect middle/upper-middle income families 4. Unsubsidized federal loans are available regardless of need (and have better terms than private loans) 5. Family finances can change unexpectedly (job loss, medical expenses) and having a FAFSA already on file makes adjustments easier It takes about 30-45 minutes with the new simplified form. Definitely worth doing!

trust me dont bother, my parents make 200k and we got NOTHING. total waste of time doing all that paperwork jsut to get denied. the whole system is rigged anyway

I was in the EXACT same situation (parents income ~$165k) and thought FAFSA was pointless for us. BUT my dream school ended up offering me a $15k/year scholarship that required a FAFSA on file! Found out later they use it to verify enrollment status and other eligibility factors even for non-need scholarships. Also, even if you don't get grants, having access to federal loans is wayyyy better than private loans if you need them. Lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options after graduation.

I work in financial aid at a university and I ALWAYS tell families to file the FAFSA regardless of income. Here's what most people don't realize: - The federal methodology for calculating your Student Aid Index (SAI, formerly EFC) takes many factors beyond just income into account - number of kids in college simultaneously can DRAMATICALLY change your aid eligibility - Many schools won't even CONSIDER you for their institutional scholarships without a FAFSA - Some states have grant programs with higher income thresholds than federal programs - Having access to federal student loans provides a safety net even if you plan to pay out of pocket The new streamlined FAFSA for 2025-2026 takes much less time than before. File it and don't leave money on the table!

Lemme tell you about my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!!! My parents made about $190k when I started college and I thought EXACTLY like your dad - "waste of time, won't qualify for anything." WRONG!!! I applied to 8 schools and the private ones all required FAFSA for MERIT scholarships!! My dad nearly cost me $22,000/year in merit money because he didn't want to "share his tax info with the government" (even though the IRS already has it LOL). Fill. It. Out. Period. End of story. Even if you get zero federal $$$, many schools won't even LOOK at you for their own money without it.

been trying to reach federal student aid for days to ask this exact question - the wait times are INSANE and i keep getting disconnected. so frustrating!!!

my brother didnt do fafsa his first yr and regretted it so much!!! some random scholarship he got required it and he couldnt accept the $$. dont make that mistake!!

One more thing I forgot to mention - if your parents are planning to help pay for your education, they should look into Parent PLUS loans, which require a FAFSA on file. While your family income might disqualify you from need-based aid, Parent PLUS loans have more favorable terms than many private education loans. The application process is straightforward once the FAFSA is completed.

i still think its all a waste of time the whole systems rigged for the super poor or the super rich like always

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm definitely going to fill out the FAFSA now. Seems like there are lots of reasons beyond just federal grants, and I don't want to miss out on merit scholarships. I've talked to my parents and they've agreed it makes sense to complete it. Really appreciate all the insights!

Great decision, Gabriel! You're making the smart move. Just a few quick tips as you get started: 1. Have your parents' tax returns handy - the new FAFSA can actually pull data directly from the IRS now, which makes it much faster 2. Don't forget to list ALL the schools you're applying to in the FAFSA - you can add up to 20 schools 3. Submit it as early as possible after October 1st - some aid is first-come, first-served 4. Keep copies of everything for your records You'll probably be surprised at what opportunities open up just by having it on file. Best of luck with your college applications!