9 Reasons To Work With A Financial Aid Consultant

Whether you or your child is preparing for college or already enrolled, your family can benefit from working with a financial aid consultant to save time and money on college.

Here are 9 reasons you should consider working with a financial aid consultant.

1.  Save time and effort applying to college

Applying to college is a stressful time for busy parents and students. Financial aid consultants are familiar with the financial aid process and can help you fill out paperwork and submit important documents such as the FAFSA, CSS profile, and financial aid appeals.

2. Make college more affordable

A financial aid consultant can help you find affordable schools and eliminate those unlikely to give you financial aid. This can save you time and money on college searches, visits and applications.

3. Inexpensive in the context of college costs

Working with a financial aid consultant could cost you as little as $195 for a full academic year–while saving you thousands on your college tuition bill. In the grand scheme of the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars many families spend on college, financial aid counseling is a smart investment.

In fact, two of our clients, Pat and Judy B. of Rochester, NY, found this out firsthand when we helped them gain an additional $20,000 in financial aid:

We’re very impressed with the financial aid award. We wrote the college a letter that was modeled after the letter we wrote at College Financing Group’s recommendation and assistance. Writing the letter was very beneficial as they increased the scholarship from $40,000 to $60,000.

4. Experienced in the college application and financial aid process

Financial aid consultants with prior experience in education lending and/or financial aid roles at colleges have an inside view of the financial aid and student loan process. They know how the systems work and the methods for securing the most financial aid possible.

Our counselors have over 40 years experience with helping college students and families save money on college. When it comes to unique financial situations, they’ve seen it all.

5. Help guide your family through special financial circumstances

Every family’s financial situation and background is different. Financial aid consultants have the expertise to guide your family through unique financial circumstances, such as the loss of a job or unexpected illness. They can also help execute financial aid appeals if you find your financial aid award isn’t enough.

6. Confidential, independent advisement

Independent college counselors aren’t bound to specific colleges, student loan lenders, or other interests. Our college financial aid experts provide advice that’s best for the student and family.

At College Financing Group, our ultimate goal is to educate and prepare families so that they can make informed choices and pay for college using all available scholarships, financial aid and resources.

7. Personal attention on your schedule

College-bound students and families are busy enough as it is without having to worry about someone else’s schedule. A financial aid counselor can work around your schedule and offer the individual attention you won’t receive from a college financial aid officer.

Some parents prefer to meet in person, while others would rather be able to pick up the phone and ask a question specific to their situation. We work with families directly in the manner that’s most convenient for them–face-to-face, over the phone, or online.

8. Help you find scholarships and colleges you wouldn’t have otherwise considered

Financial aid consultants learn your student’s background, interests, and goals and use this information to direct you toward colleges and scholarships that fit the student’s profile.

They can refer you to affordable colleges you may have never even heard of or assumed were too expensive–quality schools that offer large financial aid packages and merit scholarships your student could use to pay for college.

9. Help you apply for financial aid every year of college

The financial aid process doesn’t stop after your student graduates high school. Each year, colleges require students to fill out the FAFSA and apply for financial aid.

Because a family’s financial circumstances can change greatly from year to year, it’s important to work with an expert who can make sure you’re doing everything you can to maximize your financial aid package each year.