Based on everything discussed, here's a complete action plan for you: 1. Have your stepdad apply for a Parent PLUS loan (even though you expect denial) 2. Once denied, request the additional $4,000 in unsubsidized loans you'll be eligible for 3. Submit a professional judgment appeal with documentation of job loss (termination letter, unemployment statements, current bank statements showing reduced income) 4. Ask specifically about dependency override possibilities 5. Contact FSA directly about your options (using the contact method mentioned above if you have trouble getting through) 6. Create a spreadsheet of external scholarship opportunities - many have deadlines throughout the year 7. If you still have a gap, talk to your school about payment plans or emergency assistance funds With this approach, you might be able to secure enough funding without private loans and their credit requirements. Would you like more specific advice on any of these steps?

I'm in a very similar situation - my mom lost her job last year and our family income dropped by about 60%. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely have your stepdad apply for the Parent PLUS loan so you can get that denial letter - it's counterintuitive but necessary. Second, when you do the professional judgment appeal, include EVERYTHING: termination letter, unemployment statements, current paystubs (if any), bank statements showing the reduced income, even utility shut-off notices if you have them. The more documentation you provide, the better. Also, don't just email this stuff - make an appointment to sit down with a financial aid counselor in person if possible. They're more likely to really advocate for you when they can put a face to the situation. One thing that really helped me was asking specifically about work-study opportunities too - even if it's just a few thousand, every bit helps close that gap!

Whatever u do, fill it out EARLY!!! The new FAFSA was a disaster this year and people who waited got SCREWED with less aid because money ran out at some schools. January deadline if possible!!

As someone who works in financial aid at a community college, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet - even if you don't qualify for need-based federal aid, completing the FAFSA can make your son eligible for unsubsidized federal Direct Loans, which have much better terms than private loans. Also, Washington state has some unique programs worth considering. The Washington College Grant has expanded significantly and now covers families making up to about $100k+ depending on family size. Even if you're slightly over the income threshold, it's worth checking. One more thing - if your 2024 income is going to be significantly higher than 2023, that actually works in your favor for the 2025-2026 FAFSA since it uses 2023 tax info. This might be your best year to apply for aid before your higher income kicks in for future FAFSA calculations. The whole process really does take less than an hour once you have your tax documents ready. Given the potential upside and minimal time investment, I'd strongly recommend filing!

Based on all the information you've shared, your son is in a really good position! To summarize what everyone has mentioned: 1. Negative SAI (-1456) = maximum Pell Grant eligibility (around $7,395) 2. Likely eligible for SEOG grants if he responds quickly 3. Potential for significant institutional aid, especially with the CSS Profile submitted 4. No verification asterisk (great news - less paperwork!) 5. Strong academic record will help with merit scholarships Make sure he stays on top of all communications and deadlines from his schools. The negative SAI is definitely going to open doors for additional aid opportunities!

That's fantastic news about the negative SAI! Just wanted to add that you should also look into state grant programs in your state - many states have their own need-based grants that use similar income thresholds as the Pell Grant. With your son's negative SAI, he'll likely qualify for state aid too, which could add another few thousand dollars to his package. Also, don't forget about work-study opportunities - students with negative SAIs get priority for federal work-study positions, which can help cover personal expenses during the school year. The combination of Pell + SEOG + state grants + institutional aid + work-study could make even that expensive private school much more affordable than you think!

wait im confused, I thought the sibling thing was still part of FAFSA? Are they changing it for 2025-2026 or did it already change? My daughter's going to college next fall and her brother will be a junior...

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Just wanted to add that when you're gathering documents for professional judgment, make sure to include a clear breakdown of your total college costs across all three kids. I created a simple spreadsheet showing tuition, room & board, and other expenses for each child, then totaled it against our income. It really helps the financial aid officers visualize the impossible math we're facing. Also, don't forget to mention if any of your kids are at different types of schools (public vs private) since that can affect how they view the request. Fingers crossed for all of us dealing with this!

Update: I just got off the phone with our university's financial aid office. They were super helpful! They're putting a note in our file about the pending tax amendment and said they'll recalculate our package once we submit the corrected FAFSA. They also mentioned something called a "Verification" process that might happen, and told me to watch for emails requesting additional documentation. They said Pell Grant eligibility will definitely be reassessed with our corrected info, but warned that some institutional scholarships might not be available if we submit corrections after certain deadlines. So we're going to expedite the tax amendment process as much as possible. Thanks everyone for your help!

That's such great news! I'm so relieved for you that they were understanding and helpful. This whole thread has been really educational for me too - I had no idea about the Professional Judgment review option or that verification process. It sounds like you're in good hands now. Quick question though - when you say "expedite the tax amendment process," is there actually a way to speed that up with the IRS, or do you just mean getting all your paperwork submitted as quickly as possible? I might need to know this for future reference! Good luck with everything! 🤞