How Structured Settlements Impact Financial Aid

Eligibility for need-based financial aid depends on the student’s demonstrated financial need. Structured settlements can change how a student's financial aid is evaluated. 

Financial need is the difference between the college’s annual Cost of Attendance (COA) and the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI).

In some cases, a structured settlement can be used to shelter settlement money from student financial aid formulas. But ultimately the timing of the payments will determine how structured settlements impact financial aid applications. We break down the rules below to help you plan.