How a 401(k) affects financial aid / admissions Forum

[gable sans stache]

I'm eligible for a 401(k) soon at my job, and I'm planning to apply next cycle for fall of '14.

I like the idea of a 401(k), but I'm curious as to how this affects need-based grants and financial aid. I can imagine it would slightly increase my modest income on the books, but I can also imagine that it would carry some sort of positive weight in the admissions process, if it's even visible. Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks and be gentle - this is obviously nowhere near my field of expertise.

[bandenjamin]

Has never affected me and I've had one for a long time.

[Tiago Splitter]

They won't ask about it on the FAFSA, but it does come up on Need Access so it could affect you at schools using the latter form.