<p>I don’t have any general advice either. DW and I did not expect any need-based FA due to our (thankfully) decent incomes. FAFSA/PROFILE-based FA was “as expected” which is to say … zero. We did OK with merit scholarships. YMMV.</p>
<p>I never bothered to inquire how colleges assessed our assets. Still, I can’t see how fibbing about your retirement accounts would be of much benefit.</p>