I agree that you can�t capture everything- if I had enough time I�d love to build a flexible tuition scholarship model where new scenarios can easily be added. While it may not contain every possible scenario- it will contain all the scenarios presented to the committee once all the applications are filled out and the model has been updated.
My point though is that even if the model contained every possible scenario- there�s a 0% chance that everyone will find it fair.
Let�s head back to the example of the mother who willfully didn�t work and got assessed $50,000 of income for the benefits that he got. Let�s say she could be earning $100,000 if she took the job. I could see another mother saying it�s not fair that she had to leave her kids all day and work and on top of that get charged additional tuition than if she stayed home all day with her kids like the other person.
(By the way- I do agree with you that handouts/ government programs should be considered income.)