<p>" First, FAFSA (and I’m assuming PROFILE will be the same) are INSANE if they think most people can possible afford the number they come up with for the EFC." </p>
<p>FAFSA doesn’t assume anything. It is a calculation to figure out if you are eligible for subsidized federal loans and grants. That’s it. The subsidized loans and Pell grants are for low income families, and usually there is a school somewhere that would allow that student to attend for that amount. If families chose a different school, the family may have to come up with a lot more money. You have to decide what level you feel comfortable paying.</p>
<p>The government makes those decisions all the time with benefit programs and entitlements. Make $X, you qualify for food stamps, medicaid, EIC, child credit, child care credit. Make $XX+, nope, no benefit for you. With food stamps, you can buy food for your family and it will go a long way if you use coupons, shop at the less fancy places, buy more pasta than steak. If you shop at Whole Foods, you are going to be hungry much sooner in the month. If you qualify for Pell grants, those grants are going to pay for more credits at a less expensive school.</p>