Car Jack,
This has been in the back of my mind for a while. I filled out a FAFSA for myself about 10 years ago, as I was wrapping up a MS degree. Stafford loans were handy. At that time, 529 counted as student income, but just the amount that was cashed in the previous year(s). Is that still true, or did they change it?
I don't expect us to qualify for Federal grants, but we should qualify for loans if we need them. Lower retired status might help, but I got the impression that income at 50k+ pretty much nixed any aid, at least for public schools. Private might be another story. If the kid chooses a good public college, I think we are fine, even if it is all self pay.