In my experience retirement account balances are not considered a potential source of funds for BS. A large retirement account balance could impact FA though if it appears your retirement is already fully funded a school may consider future retirement account contributions as funds that could be directed towards BS tuition. That is just a guess on my part though. I can tell you that I’m a planner as well. I started 401k contributions at 25 and have made the max contribution for quite a few years. I have a resonable 401k balance, I continue to make contributions, and I receive FA.