<p>I don't understand this. We all live in various parts of the country. What might be a generous income in the mid-west is barely making it in the Northeast. Someone who makes over 100K in Iowa is likely living with a mortgage payment of 1000. or less. The same house in many parts of the Norhteast requires a monthly mortgage/tax/insurance payment of 3000. or more. One's income might appear "high," but why is there no way to factor in geography, state taxes, even a reasonable amount of debt?</p>
<p>Well FAFSA does factor in State taxes. Not what you actually paid (which seems odd) but an allowance against income based on the State you live in.</p>
<p>Many (not all) people who live in high housing cost areas also tend to make more money, and enjoy better job security/flexibility, so maybe it all evens out a little bit in the end.</p>
<p>there are lots of things 'unfair' about Fafsa. </p>
<p>people who saved money by living frugally have a higher EFC. Nobody cares that I drive a 17 year old car and furnished my house at yard sales and flea markets. I'm so cheap that I don't get my hair washed and blow dried, only cut. How many women do you know that spend less than $200/year on their hair? And what's the deal with adding the money I put in my retirement fund into my disposable income. The govt tells us to save save save, but they like to take take take at every opportunity.</p>
<p>FAFSA considers income and assets, of the parents, and of the student. Parent's income is usually the primary factor in determining the EFC.</p>
<p>Where you live is generally a choice.</p>
<p>Similar to the folks who complain about not getting any aid making 150K per year, saying how expensive the three luxury car payments, the vacations, the 5K/month mortgage are. Choices.</p>
<p>call your congressperson or senator. current rules were put in place when a certain senior senator from mass was chair of the ed committee.</p>
<p>does the $200 count shampoo and styling products?
I think I probably spend ( counting on my fingers-)
$200, a year on shampoo- conditioners, hair clippies ( I have to buy a new package every month cause I can't keep track)- henna- hair color- bleach- goo- combs- and scissors every year.
Of course I don't get my hair professionally "done" but shampoo adds up!</p>
<p>It irritates me too that money we put in retirement counts during that year- we are still trying to build it back up after the stock crash several years ago.</p>
<p>However- I do think that special circumstances are considered to some extent, and applying to several schools at least gives you something to compare.
You don't have to attend if you can't afford it.</p>
<p>Its not like going to the hospital and getting stuck with a bill for drs that looked at your chart, but you never even saw or spoke to ( and who didn't adjust your care)
That really sucks.</p>