Are all families expected to contribute towards educational expenses?
Yes, this is one of the fundamental assumptions made by colleges when awarding aid. If the student is considered a dependent student based upon the definition established by the Department of Education and therefore parental income and asset information was required on the FAFSA, then the expected family contribution will include amounts from both the student and parents according to their respective incomes and assets. The contribution for students who are deemed financially independent of their parents is based on the student’s income and assets, as well as those of the student’s spouse if married.
