<p>there are lots of reasons different folks have different incomes. Sometimes it choices, sometimes its the luck of different skills and abilities and personality traits, and sometimes its pure luck. </p>
<p>I suppose if you discount those latter two factors, you may believe that while its easier to pay for college with an income of 250k than with an income of 150k, it SHOULD be, because you are more deserving, because you worked harder, made wiser choices, sacrificed more, etc. That is a potentially valid position, and one I am sure many people hold. </p>
<p>However it is distinct from asserting that it is more difficult to pay for college with a 250k income than with a 150k income. Which is, as a general rule, false. And that is what flip remarks about lowering your income are meant to get at, AFAICT. If you think you will be better off AFTER FAFSA aid and college pay, than think of what it would be like if you downshifted.</p>