<p>The FAFSA computes an Expected FAMILY Contribution. Your stepfather is a member of your family. Presumably your whole family benefits in some way from his income…including your mom and you (think things like housing, utilities, food, etc)…thus freeing up some of your mom’s income which would otherwise be covering these things. </p>
<p>Because your mom is married, your stepfather’s income and assets are included in the calculations for EFC. There is no way around this.</p>
<p>And agreed with others…you can’t become an independent student just because your parent (or stepparent) is unwilling to pay for your college expenses.</p>