<p>There is a difference between “don’t want to spend $62K” and “can’t afford $62K” It isn’t the job of a university to subsidize a family lifestyle. I ran into this a few years ago at an admitted student’s reception where the father didn’t fill out FAFSA at all (ran a small business) in the hopes he didn’t have to reveal his income.</p>
<p>Here’s the deal - and you should know this up front. USC looks at the FAFSA and the CSS. They also require parents to sign a form authorizing them to pull the income figures directly from the IRS. They DO audit families on occasion. In addition, you’ll be required to upload one to two years of signed tax returns complete with schedules as part of the CSS process. Those will be compared to actual tax returns on file with the IRS. </p>
<p>So - in summary, your father is going to attempt something that’s been tried before that’s why there is are checks and balances in place to prevent it (or to uncover it.) Your home, your cars, etc. are all a matter of public record. And he’ll be prosecuted for fraud, especially if he does it on the FAFSA.</p>
<p>For the record - there are a number of students attending USC whose parents make very little in comparison and still have a huge bill to face. USC is a very expensive school for most of the students in attendance. It’s just part of the reality. So even if your income were truly lower, you’re not likely going to be looking at a lot of financial aid to meet your comfort level. IMHO.</p>