Columbia deducts stepparent's income while reviewing for f/a?

Paying for College
1

S was admitted and he got a wonderful f/a package. I planned on getting married in a few months and really struggled with following through with it, knowing the EFC would be much higher. In talking to Columbia’s f/a office, they informed me that they will ask for his W-2 just so they know what portion of our tax returns are mine and his. She triple confirmed with others and assured me that his income is eliminated when factoring f/a.

This would be the greatest gift ever.

Is this really true?

2

I would get it IN WRITING!

3

If you are planning to get marry in a few months, why would his portion of W2 show up in your tax return? Were you talking about the next few years?

4

It is very possible that Columbia excludes step parent income when considering need based aid.

I’m with @mom2collegekids …you need to get this policy IN WRITING.

5

@annamom Yes, I am talking about future tax returns.

Uh yeah. I will get this is writing. I still can’t believe it.