If non custodial parent refuses to contribute, what do private schools do in calculating financial aid award?

If non custodial parent refuses to submit any financial information or refuses to contribute towards kid's education, what approach is taken in calculating financial aid award by private schools?
Does refusal to submit information means need based grants will be zero?

I know state universities do not ask for non custodial parent's information on FAFSA. Private schools do ask for information about both biological parents.

Questioner you are right --> Private schools can and often do ask for non-custodial parent information. Some state schools may as well.

However, this information is never factored into awarding the student any federal aid (Pell grants, Stafford loans, etc) or state grants. It can be used by the school to determine the student's eligibility for school-based grants.

Will deadbeat-parent sign a letter saying that he/she refuses to contribute funds to the child's education? The letter could be used by the aid office to waive the non-custodial info requirement. Check with that office to see what they require.

Hopefully you can at least get a letter. He/she doesn't want to contribute then at least sign the letter to ease the burden that will ultimately be the child's...

I don't think they can do that. I fill out my FAFSA every year and I don't put my dad's info on the form and I still get money.

If you are no longer married, you do not need the other parent's financial information, only information from the legal guardian is required. Schools understand cases of divorce and will adjust their calculations accordingly.