Do they take outgoings into account? On paper, my parents look like they earn a lot, but the actual amount they get to spend is tiny...I mean just because they look like they earn a lot doesn't mean that they can afford to help me though university. I've been working since I was 13 years old trying to build up money for uni, because even then I knew it was going to be expensive, but now, sitting down looking at the figures, every year of my 6 year degree I'm expected to pay £3500 at least in addition to the maintenance loan when neither my parents nor I have that kind of money!