<p>(When parents are divorced.)</p>
<p>Because that is what the FAFSA does. Is there some reason why you want the non-custodial parent to submit their information? </p>
<p>The FAFSA is looking at income that is generated in the home where the student resides. It also requires step parent info...if the divorced parent has remarried.</p>
<p>Why? Because Congress made the decision that we as a society will not hold noncustodial parents responsible for educating their children, when it comes to determining eligibility for federal aid. Note that federal aid is relatively limited -- Pell, SEOG, ACG, Smart, work-study, subsidized loans. The cost of this policy is an incentive for divorce and disincentive for remarriage.</p>
<p>The private colleges giving out really big bucks look at both bio-parent's assets.</p>
<p>I was just pretty curious. Because, (excuse the gross generalizations, but) isn't the mother the custodial parent more often than not, while the father more frequently is raking in more income? Or do they feel that discrepancy is acknowledged by the custodial mother reporting the child support she receives?</p>