Investments on the FAFSA
This page provides guidance to help you answer investment questions on the FAFSA.
FAFSA investment questions
- 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
Report the current market value of the following investments (minus any related debt):
- Real estate (don't include your home)
- Trust funds
- Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts
- Money market funds
- Mutual funds
- Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Stocks, stock options, bonds and other securities
- Installment and land sale contracts (including mortgages held)
- Commodities
- Education savings accounts, including:
- Coverdell savings accounts
- 529 college savings plans
- Refund value of 529 prepaid tuition plans
Parent info on the FAFSA
In question 91, students who include parent info must report accounts owned by the student and all accounts owned by the parents for any member of the household.
No parent on the FAFSA?
Students should report only their accounts, and if married, the student’s spouse in question 42 if they're not including parent info on their FAFSA.
Investments to exclude
Do not report the following as investments:
- The home you live in
- Life insurance policies
- Retirement accounts, including:
- 401(k) plans
- Pension funds
- Annuities
- Non-education IRAs
- Keogh plans
- Cash, savings, and checking accounts already reported in questions 41 and 90
- UGMA or UTMA accounts where you are the custodian but not the owner
Net worth, value & debt
- Net worth: current value minus any related debt; if your net worth is negative, enter 0
- Investment value: current market value as of today
- Investment debt: refers to debt associated with any investment
If you need additional help, please contact our office.