Divorced or Separated Parents

Tufts University upholds the belief that parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children. To this end, Tufts requires information from both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent (typically the parent with whom the student does not live) in order to determine eligibility for Tufts financial assistance.

We will use a parent contribution from the higher of the federal methodology (custodial household, including stepparents, as required by federal policy) or institutional methodology (from the analysis of each biological parent only). While we understand that some families have prenuptial agreements in place, Tufts nevertheless will use our standard policy to determine a total family contribution. Families may take our calculated contribution and apply it to their individual circumstances as they see fit.

The noncustodial parent is required to complete a CSS Profile by creating their own account and submitting the form online. The noncustodial parent is only required to complete the CSS Profile when a student first applies to Tufts for financial aid. Subsequent CSS Profiles will not be required of the noncustodial parent. 

If you are a first year applicant and have no contact with your noncustodial parent, you may answer the questions in the CSS Profile to determine if a waiver can be approved.

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