College Legality Question?

Question

An accreditted college.

I need to know if simply accreditation makes it a state OR federal institution. Its a small tech school that is accredited and wishes to consume some information that I can not understand the zealous desire for. They demand the tax information to complete a FAFSA (fafsa.ed.gov) or my son can not attend the school. Something sounds very wrong to me.

Answer 1

The FAFSA is a federal form so the information is being requested by the department of education and not the school.  If you want you child to receive federal student loans or grants, you will have to fill out this form.  If you do not claim them as a dependent then you will not have to provide the information as parents but you child will still have to complete the FAFSA if they want loans or grants.  I hope this makes sense.  

PS.  Your private tax information is protected by FERPA laws.

Answer 2

Maybe I can explain.

Your son is or has applied for finanicial aid to go to this school.  He must submit your information on his application (fafsa) and in many situations to the school in order to do so.

It is not true that you HAVE to give your tax information.  HOWEVER if you choose not to, he will simply NOT get finanical aid to attend and he or YOU will have to pay for everything up front.  

Nothing is wrong.  It is this way at every college and tech school in the USA for kids like your son who are under 24, not married and don't have kids.  

Give your son copies of your tax forms and your W2 forms or give your son a signed check for his tuition, books, fees, room and board.