<p>There really is no clear evidence that colleges tap retirement accounts. Check the net price calculators. I have not heard of one that asks for balances in retirement accounts. </p>
<p>The speculation is that colleges will scrutinize retirement accounts IF it looks like the family has excessive amounts in retirement relative to actual income… Thus making it appear that this excess money should have been made available for college costs. </p>
<p>Yes BC asks for retirement account balances…but how those are used is not really known.</p>