<p>i think the idea is that the “budget” the school uses in it’s calculations includes food, lodging, usually transportation, tuition, etc – everything the student needs to live. What other “needs” (not wants) could the student have that he would need that income for?</p>
<p>The idea is that paying for the education is the primary responsibility of the family (including the student) and therefore, all monies that are available should be used for that purpose. I can’t think of any necessary expenses that those funds would be needed for that would preempt payment for college expenses. (I can think of plenty of things the student would like to do with the money – but that is beside the point).</p>