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The FAFSA already takes such money into account when calculating aid. 'Secret support' makes this sound like it's a conspiracy on the level of the USC scandal.

notacoward 8y ago
They account for it even if it doesn't exist. I got screwed on financial aid (before the FAF and the other one were merged into FAFSA - it was a long time ago), because the amount was predicated on a much higher parental contribution than actually materialized (due to health costs). Not only that, but a far higher percentage of that total was work-study instead of grants. I mention that not to gripe but to warn people, and to highlight the fact that differences in parental support really matter. I already see several people trying to minimize this by saying it's not new, they got plenty of support Back In The Day and so did their friends. Well, good for you. Not everybody did. It was a symptom of inequity then, and it's a symptom of inequity now. Enjoy your privilege, and hope that your children appreciate theirs.
- jstarfish 8y ago
  If you can make do without health insurance from or tax breaks for your parents, the solution to this is to not apply for financial aid as a dependent. They will always consider your parents' ability to contribute, even if they hate the idea of higher education and refuse to spend a dime on it. The amount of student aid I became eligible for once I applied as independent was insane.
  - mwilliaams 8y ago
    You can’t apply as independent until you reach a certain age, 23 I think, or a court has declared you independent or whatever. That excludes most students, who are trying to get a four year degree after high school.
- Gibbon1 8y ago
  Friend of mines parents spent the college fund on her brothers private school. She was expected find a man to support her. She wasn't eligible for any student aid at all. Took her about 12 years of working and going to school to finish her degree. I think the history of means testing is kinda negative. But it's deeply embedded in how the people the run the US think. Witness Hillery Clinton blustering that free college would just be a give away to wealthy families. Better a bunch of poor kids have the door closed in there face than let one child of privilege skate.

notacoward 8y ago

They account for it even if it doesn't exist. I got screwed on financial aid (before the FAF and the other one were merged into FAFSA - it was a long time ago), because the amount was predicated on a much higher parental contribution than actually materialized (due to health costs). Not only that, but a far higher percentage of that total was work-study instead of grants. I mention that not to gripe but to warn people, and to highlight the fact that differences in parental support really matter. I already see several people trying to minimize this by saying it's not new, they got plenty of support Back In The Day and so did their friends. Well, good for you. Not everybody did. It was a symptom of inequity then, and it's a symptom of inequity now. Enjoy your privilege, and hope that your children appreciate theirs.

jstarfish 8y ago
If you can make do without health insurance from or tax breaks for your parents, the solution to this is to not apply for financial aid as a dependent. They will always consider your parents' ability to contribute, even if they hate the idea of higher education and refuse to spend a dime on it. The amount of student aid I became eligible for once I applied as independent was insane.
- mwilliaams 8y ago
  You can’t apply as independent until you reach a certain age, 23 I think, or a court has declared you independent or whatever. That excludes most students, who are trying to get a four year degree after high school.
Gibbon1 8y ago
Friend of mines parents spent the college fund on her brothers private school. She was expected find a man to support her. She wasn't eligible for any student aid at all. Took her about 12 years of working and going to school to finish her degree. I think the history of means testing is kinda negative. But it's deeply embedded in how the people the run the US think. Witness Hillery Clinton blustering that free college would just be a give away to wealthy families. Better a bunch of poor kids have the door closed in there face than let one child of privilege skate.