Is FAFSA worth completing if I know I won't qualify for Pell Grants?

YES - absolutely complete the FAFSA even if you won't qualify for Pell Grants! The FAFSA isn't just for Pell Grants - it's the gateway to ALL federal financial aid including direct loans (which have better terms than private loans), work-study opportunities, and many state/institutional scholarships. Many colleges require a completed FAFSA to consider you for their own scholarship funds, even merit-based ones that aren't need-based! Your household income might disqualify you from Pell, but there are other factors in the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation including family size, multiple children in college, and other circumstances that might surprise you with aid eligibility.

I was in almost your exact situation last year (parents made around $190k). I thought filling out FAFSA was pointless too, but my college financial aid office literally wouldn't process ANY of my scholarship applications without it - even the ones based on my GPA and test scores! They said something about needing a "complete financial profile" for all aid. Plus, I ended up qualifying for some subsidized loans that saved me a ton on interest. The form takes like 45 minutes if your parents have their tax returns handy.

DON'T LISTEN TO THESE PEOPLE!!! The FAFSA is a HUGE invasion of privacy and the government uses it to track your family's finances! If your parents make that much money you will NOT get ANY aid. Instead just apply directly to private scholarships from companies and local organizations that don't require FAFSA. The whole system is rigged!

Financial aid counselor here. Two critical points: 1) Many schools won't consider you for ANY institutional aid (even merit scholarships) without a FAFSA on file. This includes scholarships based on academics, leadership, etc. 2) Federal Direct Student Loans (which require FAFSA) have significantly better terms than private loans - fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment options, forgiveness programs, and no credit check requirements. Even with higher income, having multiple family members in college simultaneously can dramatically change your aid eligibility. The 2025-2026 FAFSA takes about 30-45 minutes with the new streamlined form if you're prepared with tax documents.

My parents had similar income ($165k) and I still qualified for $5k in institutional grants + work study + federal loans with much better terms than private loans. Your college financial aid office might have school-specific funds they can only give to FAFSA completers. My brother skipped FAFSA and regretted it BIG TIME.

OK I'm convinced I should do it, but my parents are super resistant to sharing their tax info. They're worried about data privacy and say it's not my business to know all their financial details. Any advice?

I tried to call Federal Student Aid like 5 times about a similar question last month because my parents also didn't want to share info. Kept hitting busy signals and getting disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual FSA agent who confirmed my parents could fill out their section separately without me seeing their specific tax details. Totally worth it - the video demo (https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ) shows exactly how it works. The agent also explained I'd be eligible for unsubsidized loans even with my parents' income, which was helpful to know.

One more thing to consider: The Parent PLUS loan program requires a completed FAFSA. While these are parent loans (not student loans), they're available regardless of income and have better terms than many private lending options if your family ends up needing additional financing beyond what you qualify for directly. Even families with substantial incomes often use PLUS loans for the flexible repayment terms.

Update: I talked to my parents and showed them all your comments. They agreed to help with the FAFSA after I explained they could fill out their portion separately. We're going to sit down this weekend and get it submitted. Thanks everyone for the advice!