Investments on the FAFSA

Here is some additional information to help you answer investment questions on the FAFSA. Contact us if you need further assistance.

Networth

Net worth is the current value minus any related debt. If your net worth is negative, enter 0.

• Parent Question 91: As of today, what is the net worth of your parents’ investments, including real estate?
• Student Question 42: As of today, what is the net worth of your (and spouse’s if married) investments, including real estate?

Investments to Include

Investments include real estate, but not the home you live in; trust funds, Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) account or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) account, money market funds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, stocks, stock options, bonds, other securities, installment and land sale contracts, including mortgages held and commodities. Investments also include qualified educational benefits or education savings accounts such as Coverdell savings accounts, 529 college savings plans and the refund value of 529 prepaid tuition plans.

Students who do not report parental information should report accounts owned by the student and if married, the student’s spouse in question 42. Students who report parental information must report accounts owned by the student and all accounts owned by the parents for any member of the household in question 91.

Investment value is the current market value as of today. Investment debt refers to debt associated with any investment.

Investments to Exclude

Do not include the home you live in, the value of life insurance and retirement plans as investments (401k plans, pension funds, annuities, non-education IRAs, Keogh plans) or cash, savings and checking accounts already reported in questions 41 and 90. Also, do not include UGMA and UTMA accounts for which you are the custodian but not the owner.