<p>Is a CD that is specifically designated as an IRA account in parents names treated the same as a regular CD when a college figures a student's need based financial aid?<br>
Does having an IRA affect the percentage they take of a parent's regular investments?</p>
<p>IRAs or retirement accounts are not counted in when calculating student financial aid need. at least thats what i think...</p>
<p>Right. Don't include IRA accounts, or other retirement accounts like 401k's, when listing parent's liquid assets.</p>
<p>Parents will get an asset allowance, below which assets aren't assessed (this varies depending on age of older parent and number in family, but us usually about 35K - 40K). Above that, the formula takes a % of parental assets.</p>
<p>Student's don't get an asset allowance, and they get assessed a much higher % of assets.</p>