College and the $1000 Child tax Credit

I am told by the Government that I need to participate in the college expenses of my soon to be adult (18) child. I say adult/child because unless she gets married at 18 or enters the military, she's still a kid in Uncle Sam's eyes when it comes to college. Till 26 I think!  So, there's this handy form the government makes parents fill out (otherwise you won't get a Stafford Loan or be eligible for fed grants) so they can tell you as a parent, how much you can afford to pay for your CHILD'S college education.  We're all too stupid to figure it out! With all the debt this country holds right now, i have to laugh at this form. it reminds me of a drunk telling another drunk not to drink!!! Of course they don't want to know about any of your debts. You know, your mortgage, car payments, living expenses and so forth. When big man Uncle Sam came back with a figure on how much I should be plunking down, I was wondering if they were basing their calculation like how we spend in this country.  Only, I can't print money!  I want to help out for college. I don't WANT Uncle Sam telling me what I need to pay! 

After doing my taxes this year, my CHILD doesn't qualify for the $1000 child tax credit because its for ages 16 and under. According to the IRS, my CHILD is an adult at 17 (since she doesn't qualify for child tax credit),but when she goes off to college at 18, she's back to a child again. Wow, that's pretty amazing.  How much is 1+1??? Maybe that should be a mandatory question before you can actually work for the Government.  Box of rocks.. It's not the 'American Dream' anymore.  its an American fairy tale.