There is an age-based asset protection allowance in the FAFSA's need analysis methodology. This shelters a portion of assets that are not in a qualified retirement plan, principal place of residence or small business owned and controlled by the family (all of which are sheltered). If the older parent is 65 or older, the asset protection allowance is as large as it can get. For example, in 2009-10 it is $84,000, compared with $52,400 for age 48 (the median age of parents of college-age children). The higher asset protection allowance reduces the expected family contribution by at most $1,782.