Can I use different addresses for the FAFSA and my common app?

[m2025]

Hi! Not sure if this is the right place to post, but the situation is this: my parents split custody equally, physically and legally. My dad lives in VA and my mom in DC. I want to apply in-state to UVA with the Common App application, which means listing that address in the application. The issue is that I will need to use my mom’s information, and probably address, for the FAFSA (because under her employment history I will qualify for more aid).

I’m not trying to commit fraud, just trying to save my parents a little money for my siblings’ education and their retirement As far as I can tell I can’t find any other information about this type of situation and don’t really know what to do—any help would be greatly appreciated.

[DadOfJerseyGirl]

Tagging @kelsmom.

(Thanks in advance).

[tsbna44]

Are your schools CSS schools like UVA / W&M ? If so it’ll go deeper than FAFSA and CsS I believe will trump FAFSA and both parents will be included.

It’s highly likely at a UVA or W&M being in state will be better.

Did u run the net price calculator both ways ? Have your folks do.

UVAs is down but here’s W&M.

https://sfs.virginia.edu/guide-css-profile#:~:text=All%20first-year%2C%20returning%2C,required%20to%20complete%20the%20Profile.

[Mwfan1921]

@m2025

my parents split custody equally, physically and legally.

If this is the case (equal everything), the parent who makes the most money will be the FAFSA custodial parent.

For most schools that use CSS Profile, the income and assets of both parents (and any new spouses) will be included.

Look at the financial aid pages of each school’s website so you can understand what each school requires. Then, run the NPCs as tsbna suggested.

[kelsmom]

The information above is correct. Here is a document explaining how the parent contributor is determined for FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/is-my-parent-a-contributor.jpg. As noted by others, schools that use CSS Profile may require information from both parents.

[thumper1]

And the address you use for colleges needs to be the place where you actually sleep. If you don’t live in Virginia, you won’t be graduating from a Virginia high school. You need to check to see if your dad’s residency there entitles you to instate status. In some states it might. I’m not sure about Virginia. @Mwfan1921 do you know?

IIRC, UVA requires both the custodial and non-custodial parent information for determining aid…but it sounds like you are just looking for instate status for admissions and tuition purposes.

Read this…

https://vastatus.virginia.edu/virginia-domicile-requirements#:~:text=The%20statutory%20requirements%20are%3A,to%20remain%20in%20Virginia%20indefinitely.