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Will they confuse retirement $ for college $?
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<p>It depends on what account the money is in. If the money is not in an IRA, 401k, 403b or other type of account that is geared toward retirements and just in a regular checking , CD. money market account then it will be considered an assets in your parents name and will be a factor in determining your EFC. Since you state the money is in a CD it will be expected the money be used for your college.</p>
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[quote]
they fully expect me to pay my way through college through financial aid.
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<p>This is not going to happen as financial aid, even need based is predicated on the fact that your parents are the first stop in paying for your education. YOur parents will have to file the FAFSA and the CSS profile. Based on their income, and assets (incluiding home equity) the school will come up with an expected family contiribution. The amount that your parents should be paying out of pocket along with the amount that you should be paing out of pocket, based on your income, assets and summer earnings.</p>
<p>Even in schools that meet 100% demonstrated need, your package will consists of work-study, scholarship/grant aid and loans.</p>
<p>according to the college board, JHU packages their aid as 74% scholarships/ grants and 26% loans/workstudy</p>