Question on Multiple Children in College

sblake7
Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:23:28 +0000

Look at #66 and #67:

http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/2007_2008/ques5.html

In general, FAFSA divides the parental contribution to the EFC by the number of kids in college at the same time, so if there aren’t significant differences in student assets or income, the EFC for each of two students will be about half what it would be if only one kid was in college.

With one “child” in grad school, though, you’re correct that he will be considered independent for purposes of financial aid. There’s a different standard to determine whether you can consider him a “household member” (Q66, generally, whether you’re providing more than half his support). Then if you can count him as a “household member” AND if he will be “attending at least half time in an approved program during 2007-08 that leads to a degree or certificate at a postsecondary school eligible to participate in any of the federal student aid programs” you can show a total of two household members in college on the undergrad kid’s FAFSA. And get the benefit of that child’s EFC lowered considerably.

That’s how I read it, anyway. No requirement that both be undergrads for purpose of this question.