<p>The FAFSA is based on a set formula, which makes it objective. Plug in the numbers and you get an answer based on the numbers you plug in.</p>
<p>Just like the tax system. Does IRS care if my dog gets hit by a car and I have to pay a $3500 vet bill? No. Do they care what it really costs to support a kid? No. There are rules about what be deducted and what can't, and how much of a tax exemption you get per kid, and it works out to the benefit of some people and the detriment of others, depending on whether their expenses fit the definition of what IRS says they may deduct. </p>
<p>Truthfully, the biggest financial problems I faced over the years was what IRS expected me to pay -- for years I was on a tax payment plan because I simply did not have the money to pay the bill when it was all tallied up. And that was a lot worse than anything I ever faced with college expenses, because I don't have a choice with IRS. With college it's very easy -- if my kid can't afford to attend school A, then the kid goes to school B. What's really cool is that California has all these CSU's that charge LESS for a year's tuition than I used to have to pay for day care when the kids were small -- so I see a basic college education as being very affordable for families in my income range. If my daughter wants a better college -- fine -- but it's no different than the choice between a cheap used car or a more expensive new car; we will buy as much car as we can afford.</p>