Some Schools Require Parental Info on FAFSA and Some Don't? Forum

[big_willy_style_333]

I have noticed that, based on my age, some schools require that parental information be included on FAFSA (Berkeley), while some schools do not (Northwestern). Is there a way to submit multiple versions of FAFSA? Since both of these schools also require CSS, could you just fill out FAFSA without parental information with the understanding that parental information will be included with CSS?

[cavalier1138]

Unless things have changed, the requirements for including parental info on the FAFSA are set by the government, and the schools should only be setting requirements for the secondary need-based system (which is CSS this year). Are you sure that Berkeley is requiring information on the FAFSA, or are they re-stating the governmental requirements?

[big_willy_style_333]

Unless things have changed, the requirements for including parental info on the FAFSA are set by the government, and the schools should only be setting requirements for the secondary need-based system (which is CSS this year). Are you sure that Berkeley is requiring information on the FAFSA, or are they re-stating the governmental requirements?

Yeah, I'm fairly certain they are requiring that information to be included on the FAFSA. From their website: "DO I NEED TO SUBMIT PARENT INFORMATION?
Yes, all students are required to submit parent information on the CSS/Financial Aid Profile (custodial and non-custodial) and FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid..." [except if you are 30 or older, or can prove independence for the last five years]

https://www.law.berkeley.edu/admissions ... ts/#parent

Pretty annoying because I obviously don't want schools that don't require parental info on the FAFSA to see that info, especially since my parents won't be contributing.

[circle.the.wagons]

I would call the schools you are applying to and ask... i had the same question and they all told me NOT to include my parents info. They told me FAFSA used to have a need based component but this is no longer the case, and that some schools may grant need based aid but in that situation you would be required to submit your parents info to the schools and not FAFSA