Did I make a mistake?

kelsmom
Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:10:11 +0000

Yes, parents list children in # in college, but children cannot list parents.

Also … it IS up to each school whether or not they will include grad students. The rules are vague & open to interpretation. Where I work, we do not allow grad students in the household size OR in the # in college. The rationale is that they would be receiving aid as independent students with their income only, with their own household size. That’s our policy. YMMV.

We also do not allow a sibling over the age of 23 to be counted in the HH size unless there are extenuating circumstances (such as a disability). Again, this is an area schools treat differently.

You would not be wrong if you answer the question by strictly following FAFSA directions (unless the school publicizes something different in their instructions to applicants). However, just know that things COULD change.