Ms. Pate misunderstood the FAFSA.com mailer - in fact the federal government does offer students 2 options for preparing a federal student aid application (FAFSA). The Higher Education Opportunity Act allows fee-based FAFSA preparation as long as any service tells students of their 'free' option to prepare the FAFSA on the US Dept. of Education's website. The mailer explains both options. Accuracy is essential and the form's 130 questions about assets, dependency and income are complex for some, which is the reason families turn to a professional Student Aid Advisor for help, much like getting income taxes prepared. The company has served more than 1 million students over its 20 years and provides discounted and free services to many low income students each year. FAFSA.com does not take ads or sell students information as so many other college planning websites. It does not provide scholarship information. The company also maintains high privacy-protection standards and a refund policy.