<p>The FA offices do not have the flexibility to just consider consumer debt as an offset against assets when assessing eligibility for government need-based aid, even under the rubric of "professional judgment" which does allow for some flexibility in other areas. Sorry to say it so bluntly, but in the absence of genuine, heart-breaking, extremely-rare, special circumstances, taking on consumer debt is a voluntary way you can choose to live beyond your means. If only a high Mastercard balance was all it took to get your kid through college free. Maybe at Big Rock Candy Mountain U.!</p>