Filling out the FAFSA does not obligate anyone to pay for anything. It is just determining how much aid the student can qualify for.All students who file a FAFSA can take a student loan in their own name, starting at $5,500 freshman year, If the family income is low enough, the student can get a Pell Grant, which doesnu2019t have to be repaid, for up to $6,095 per year. In addition the student may qualify for state aid or aid from the college.If you donu2019t file the FAFSA the student canu2019t get this aid (loans may be an exception), he canu2019t even get work/study and he certainly canu2019t get any free money he is eligible for.