Funny, that missed me. I FAFSA'd out of support due to my parents income and didn't get a dime from my parents. I suppose they supported me with the clothes on my back, but that is about it. I'm pretty sure I sit with a majority of my generation, and I find the only people placating this abusive pillaging to be those who simply do not perceive it is happening. In practice sufficient wealth to contribute doesn't mean the motivation nor incentive. I truly hope this corrects itself in time, but it is far far too late for me. If I achieve moderate financial success I'd most likely philanthropize in the form of a scholarship dedicated to exactly this gap, and/or lobby for change.

>and every subsidy a university gives to a multimillionaire's offspring means less subsidy available for the genuinely poor.

Sure, let's deprive 100 people of their benefits so that 1 of them doesn't get that same benefit unjustly.

It does. The students are declaring themselves "financially independent." The guardianship is a tool towards that end goal.

- Parents voluntarily grant guardianship (to friend/relative).

- Guardian dissolves (either voluntarily or automatically).

- Student gains financially independent status. Is eligible for financial aid.