<p>It’s probably because unlike people whose parents have always made 100k, you’re parents made more than twice that amount in the period where they were saving for college. Additionally, I don’t think your father expects to remain unemployed for the entire period you guys would be paying for school.</p>
<p>It would be unfair to the students with true 100k incomes if your family which previously did not qualify for aid received full tuition because they temporarily made less money, yet still had the opportunity to save. And will likely still return to that higher income and have full ability to pay back any loans.</p>
<p>Outside of that, I do agree with you that the middle class gets shafted.</p>