I had an income of about $64k one year and was able to get AGi to under $50k with IRA and other contributions. For the simplified needs calculation, 401k, IRA, etc., is NOT added back in on the FAFSA. Once you qualify, you qualify.
If the EFC based on the mother’s income of $62k is under $2000, there is a lot of deducting going on before the EFC is calculated. I suspect simplified needs, but it could be a number of things.