How Dozens Of Wealthy Suburban Parents Conned Their Way Into Need-Based College Aid For Their Kids

How Dozens Of Wealthy Suburban Parents Conned Their Way Into Need-Based College Aid For Their Kids

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Wealthy suburban Chicago parents are giving up custody of their kids to get need-based college financial aid, according to a new investigation by ProPublica Illinois.

The report finds that first, parents turn over guardianship of their teens to a friend or relative. Then, the teens declare financial independence to qualify for aid. The University of Illinois says the whole thing amounts to a scam.

WBEZ’s Melba Lara talks with ProPublica’s Jodi Cohen.