<p>When someone or something says an income below or above a certain threshold, you gotta look at what the definition of income is . In scholarship and need programs it is very specifically defined. It can go both ways in terms of not really knowing whether you meet the criteria or not,since some kids/families think that because their gross pay is a certain amount, above the cut offs, that 's it. However, when you look carefully at the definition, and it is a certain line item on the 1040 with certain adjustment, if you are close to that break point, you really need to have the actual numbers to see if you qualify. If a parent is contributing to a 401 K or health flex plan, those numbers have to be added. State taxes are taken out. Just a few examples how your base or gross pay can be adjusted.</p>