Shocked to see how much college is expecting you to pay?

Don't worry. There are ways to reduce the expected contribution

Reduce Your Assets by Paying off Debt

Make major purchases by the base year to reduce liquid assets. Pay off mortgages, car loans, credit card debts, etc.

Increase Retirement Plan Contributions

FAFSA Simplification Act removes retirement contributions from the income calculation formulas starting from 2024-2025

Max Out HSA Plan

Annual contributions to HSAs are not reported on the FAFSA, are not included in need analysis, and are not treated as other financial assistance (OFA)

Skip Providing Non-Reportable Assets

SAI considers more reportable assets — the more of them your family has, the lower your financial aid eligibility could get.

Keep Assets in the Parents' Name

About 5-6% of the net value of the parental assets that count toward the EFC and student assets are weighted at 20% for the FAFSA

Be an Independent Student

Here are some ways: get married, become an emancipated minor, have a dependent child, be an active-duty military service personnel

Appeal Financial Aid Decision

Here are some ways: get married, become an emancipated minor, have a dependent child, be an active-duty military service personnel

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