Any guidance is appreciated. We have a senior year student applying to colleges and we are wondering how to present our case to colleges for financial aid consideration. Based on our income we may not qualify for needs based aid, however we have an older son (21) who has autism, is fully dependent and we need to save $ for his daily living for several decades - we expect him to live with us for at least 10-15 years. Anyone in a similar situation, how do you justify to a college that any money we have cannot be assumed to be only available for the senior student.
1 Like
For one, what can you afford ? Itâs certainly possible there are schools out there full pay or with merit that will meet your budget. That then at least solves the - will there a school to attend - scenario without needing any extra help.
You will need to contact each school to explain your situation and ask what they need to consider a professional judgment review. Each school will need to review your unique situation, and each school will make a determination based on their assessment and policies. Definitely do it, because it could make a difference for you.
5 Likes
We are. We have a son with profound autism who will require lifelong care and a son with quadriplegic cerebral palsy who will also need lifelong care.
We did present the case, backed by documentation from a special needs attorney & a special needs financial planner, to schools my S23 got into that had too high costs. They each gave him an additional $2K per year, but I think that was primarily because we had done a (necessary for wheelchair accessibility) renovation since we submitted the original financial aid documentation and the equity in our house was lower.
If we were more on top of things we would have put the money set aside already for their care into some kind of inaccessible trust. But we still donât know what would be best long term so it is just sitting in âregularâ savings/investments and the schools seemed to have fully considered it even though we (with documentation) explained it wasnât accessible.
2 Likes
A side note, but I wanted to mention it. Is your son on SSI? Itâs been very helpful for our disabled adult son. NOTE - if he is on SSI before he turns 22, it will mean he can get increased monthly benefits once once of his parents begins collecting Social Security. Our sonâs monthly benefit will go up about 66% in March, when his dad turns 70 and begins collecting.
Itâs still possible for this to happen if a person is not on SSI by 22 but was classified as disabled sooner, but itâs a tougher process.
2 Likes
We have set aside money for supporting in state school, he is a bright student and he is expecting to get into some reputed schools - of course the cost is high. Our instate with room and board is about $140K, while a reputed private school is closer to $360K - for 4years. Based on how the CSS and FAFSA do the match any money you have is presumed to be available for the senior and we need to justify to them that we need to keep a larger portion aside for the fully dependent special needs son. Yes he is on SSI but we are getting old (dad is 60, mom has 2 incidents of cancer in her 50s), we need to write a strong case to seek support. Appreciate your guidance. Any pointers to professionals in the Seattle area to write such an appeal?
But there are solid schools as low as $20k all in without merit and others $20k all in with merit (so stat dependent).
They may not be the location or type you seek but thatâs the trade off. For full pay families anyway.
What gpa UW / WTD and test score ? What major ?
Any preferences small, medium, large.
Some OOS schools can be cheaper than in state, depending on the students stats.
Even if you got $2k a year like the parent above stated, itâs not much a dent.
Btw forget ârankâ. You have a budget. Many schools - now are $360k - private. And many fine privates give away aid like drunken sailors.
Be flexible and open minded. One doesnât need the highest ranked school to be successful. Nor does a higher ranked school assure success.
3 Likes
This is the answer. Your situation is one that will take a professional judgment review. When you contact the schools, ask them what kinds of documentations and information they need from you. This will help you prepare.
If your college student is a strong applicant, perhaps do consider colleges with good merit aid for their stats. That could help you.
But definitely, your financial situation stretches into the future. I hope this all works out for you.
4 Likes
I donât believe this site allows making professional recommendations.
But reallyâŠall colleges have a process for these special circumstances considerations. Please reach out to the colleges. You are not the first parent who has a sibling who needs this sort of care ongoing. They will help you.
4 Likes
We reached out to Susquehanna under similar circumstances and they increased our daughterâs aid.
3 Likes
Honestly, you wonât need a professional to state what youâve said here. Itâs compelling as it is. Just tell colleges the circumstances and see if they will increase your aid. I think you may find that many will, but it still might not make it affordable. Hopefully your child applied to financial safeties.
4 Likes
Much appreciate the guidance. With gratitude
1 Like
Following