Congratulations on getting through the process! As someone who just went through this with my oldest last year, I wanted to add one more tip: make sure to save a PDF copy of your completed FAFSA before submitting it. The system sometimes has glitches where submitted forms get lost or corrupted, and having that backup saved us when we had to resubmit after a technical error. Also, keep an eye on your email for any requests for additional documentation - some schools require verification documents even if your FAFSA processes smoothly. Good luck to your son with his college applications!

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - yes, you absolutely need your own FSA ID! I made the mistake of thinking my daughter could just add me to hers somehow, but that's not how it works at all. Each parent needs their own account with their own email address and login credentials. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it: create your FSA ID, wait for verification (which can take a few days), then your son can add you as a contributor to his FAFSA. You'll be able to log in with your own credentials to complete the parent sections and digitally sign the form. Don't stress too much about it - millions of parents go through this every year! Just make sure to start the FSA ID creation process soon since you mentioned December deadlines.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! As someone new to the FAFSA process, I'm finding it really eye-opening (and terrifying) to read about these discrepancies between the estimator and actual SAI. It sounds like you're getting some really solid advice here about contacting the financial aid office and requesting a professional judgment review. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that once you get the full aid package, it won't be as bad as you're fearing right now. The fact that schools are apparently trying to compensate for the new formula issues gives me some hope for all of us dealing with this. Please keep us updated on how it goes - I have a feeling a lot of families are going to be in similar situations this year!

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Our SAI came back $6,800 higher than the estimator predicted, and I've been losing sleep over it for the past week. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful though. I had no idea about the professional judgment review process or that schools might have additional institutional funds to help bridge these gaps. The advice about creating a comparison spreadsheet and gathering documentation of medical expenses or other hardships is something I'm definitely going to do. We also have some unusual circumstances (caring for my elderly father) that the FAFSA doesn't really capture well. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it's reassuring to know we're not alone in this, even though the whole process is incredibly stressful. I'm going to start making calls to our school's financial aid office tomorrow morning!

I'm in a similar situation with my son - SAI of 69,000 and feeling overwhelmed. One thing that's helped us is creating a spreadsheet comparing the total 4-year costs of all his accepted schools, including potential aid packages. Some schools that seemed expensive initially actually came out cheaper after institutional aid. Also, don't forget about work-study opportunities and summer jobs - my older daughter managed to earn about $8K per year through campus work and internships, which helped offset some costs. It's definitely frustrating when you feel like you're in that "too rich for aid, too poor to afford it" middle ground, but there are still options out there!

I'm a newcomer here but facing the exact same situation! Our SAI came back at 74,000 and I literally had a panic attack when I saw it. After reading through all these responses though, I'm feeling a bit more hopeful. A few things I've learned from other parents in similar situations: 1) Some state schools have merit aid that kicks in automatically based on GPA/test scores regardless of need, 2) Private schools sometimes have more flexibility with their own funds, and 3) It's worth asking about sibling discounts if you have multiple kids who might attend college simultaneously. Also, I've heard that some schools will match or negotiate aid packages if you have competing offers from peer institutions. The whole process feels overwhelming, but it sounds like there are more options than just taking out massive loans. Definitely going to try the CSS Profile and direct contact approach mentioned above!

has anyone tried getting their kid classified as an independent student? i heard thats how u get more aid

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress must be overwhelming. As someone new to navigating financial aid, I'm finding this thread incredibly helpful. It sounds like you're taking all the right steps with the special circumstances appeals and meeting with financial aid counselors. One thing I wanted to mention - have you looked into whether any of the schools offer payment plans that could spread the costs over monthly payments? Some schools will let you pay tuition in 10-12 monthly installments without interest, which might make the Parent PLUS loans more manageable if you only need to borrow for part of the cost. Also, I've heard that some employers offer tuition assistance programs for employees' children - might be worth checking if either you or your husband's company has anything like that available. Keeping my fingers crossed that your meeting on Tuesday goes well!

One more thing I just thought of!!! Make sure u get your FSA ID set up ahead of time too. Me and my ex BOTH had to get one even tho i was the only one filling it out, and it takes like 3 days to get approved sometimes. Just another thing to think about!!!

I'm in a very similar situation! Divorced with shared custody and my ex and I alternate tax years too. What I learned from going through this with my daughter last year is that you really need to focus on who provides more financial support rather than the tax claiming. Since you mentioned you're on SSDI and your ex might have higher income, it could actually benefit your son if your ex files the FAFSA since lower income typically means more aid eligibility. But here's the catch - make sure you understand how your SSDI gets reported because it does count as income on the FAFSA. I'd definitely recommend calling the financial aid offices at the colleges your son is interested in to ask about their specific policies for divorced parents. Some schools have been more flexible than others in my experience. Good luck!