I know. But a professional judgement can be requested when a parent is attending school. I know folks who have gotten them when parent was in what was considered a substantive and serious college program. I know of a current case—mom going to law school. My close friend getting her PhD in Educstion. Both got PJs from their DDs’ school to have that counted as another student in college
Back in early 2000s, parents of students did count as additional family member in college on FAFSA. I was told when the change occurred that it was due to abuse of the provision. That may or may not be true as it is just one fin aid officer who said this and could be just opinion.
But that Professional Judgement can permit inclusion of parent as an additional college student is a fact. It does depend on the Fin Aid Officer , circumstances, and college