I am a U.S. Citizen applying for college with undocumented parents. I know that, as a citizen, I am still eligible for financial aid, but I am worried about some discrepancies. My parents file their taxes for a business that is our primary form of income (1040 (filed jointly) & 1120-S), but there is also approximately $4,000 in income per year that my mom gets from food catering that is not reported on our taxes. This will be particularly important for the CSS profile, but I’m not sure how to approach this. I want to be as transparent as possible with the colleges I’m applying to. I’ve chosen to apply through Questbridge because the QB college partners seem more open to various financial and family situations. Additionally, the main family responsibility (unpaid work) I’ve listed, and which has hindered my ability to pursue greater extracurricular activities, is tied to this small income. This topic has caused me a lot of anxiety and stress. I’ve worked hard for the past few years, and I think I generally have a good chance at a great school (1500 SAT, APs, good academics/GPA, etc), but I am worried this will become an obstacle to my education. Am I not deserving of a chance at top institutions because of my circumstances?
So you are saying your mom makes $4k but doesn’t report for tax purposes ? Will she note it on the CSS?
How will this impact your chances? The activity you did is what you did.
The colleges aren’t the police.
Your family should answer the questions on the CSS. You should be honest with how you fill out your activities. So you should share your duties. Your mom’s income is not reievant to your accomplishments.
There is no issue here that I see.
Whether you are deserving a chance at a “top” institution, whatever that means, is not for me to say. It’s for the schools to say.
But in or out, I don’t see how what you are describing will play any part whatsoever - so I would stop stressing.
Understanding FAFSA & Financial Aid (2027)
How to Complete the CSS Profile (09/30/2026)
Thank you. I will definitely stop stressing. I was simply worried about how this could impact the CSS profile as I’m not the most knowledgeable about financial aid. Like I said, I wanted to be as transparent as possible, but I was worried that my situation would present some sort of red flag. I apologize if my post came off as unnecessarily worried. I really do appreciate the reassurance!
I took it as mom didn’t pay taxes. If she hides it, who will believe I worked.
Or if I said I worked and she didn’t pay taxes, they’ll go after her.
Of course, people should report their income but that’s not for me to judge.
The CSS will ask questions. Many schools will require IDOC where she will be asked to upload forms.
You don’t need to apologize. You had a question.
Whether or not you qualify for full aid and / or admission, only the schools can say.
But I wouldn’t worry about the inconsistencies. Your app should be honest to what you’ve accomplished.
Your parents need to honestly report their income on the FAFSA form too. Do they file a U.S. tax return? And really they should be reporting all income on their tax forms…but that is their issue.
Regardless, this won’t affect your admission chances.
But really…honesty is the best policy.