College Funding
Dear Family
Next to buying a home, a child's college tuition is probably the largest single expense a family will ever incur.
Today's college education costs range from $11,000 to $24,000 per year at a state college and $26,000 to $52,000 at a private college. That' s $44,000 to over $250,000 for a four-year education when considering inflation.
How will families meet this obligation? Some families spend their life and/or retirement savings. Others take out home equity loans and burden their family budgets. 123College.com can provide solutions.
Understanding Financial Assistance
If you're the parent of a college bound high school student, you may be overlooking substantial financial assistance opportunities and not even know it.
Not understanding the financial assistance offered today could be costing your family thousands of dollars and a better education for the student.
You may think your family makes too much money or has too many assets to qualify for any financial assistance. This is probably not the case.
Your family's income may be up to $160,000 (or even higher if you have more than one student in college) and your family may still qualify for some financial assistance. There are also a large number of grants and awards that are based solely on merit, not need.
Good News
A child can probably receive a better education at a prestigious, expensive private college for about the same cost as a state college - and in some cases for even less.
Myths About Financial Aid
1. Not Enough Financial Aid is Available.
Federal student aid programs alone provided roughly $100 billion in grants, loans, and work-study assistance to more than 8 million people in 2009-10.
2. Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.
Many students think that financial aid is awarded on the basis of grades. While a high grade point average will help a student get into a good school and might help with academic scholarships, most of the federal student aid programs do not take a student's grades into consideration.
3. You Have To Be A Minority To Get Financial Aid.
Funds from federal student aid programs are awarded on the basis of financial need. These funds are NOT awarded on the basis of minority status. The FASFA - the financial aid application for these programs - doesn't even collect this kind of information about an applicant.
What Is A College Aid Planner?
College Aid Planners do not work for a school or government agency; instead, they have an allegiance only to the family for which they are working. The College Aid Planner is a professional planner who is trained to provide the family with the best possible solution to their financial aid problems. They can enforce methods to minimize the Expected Family Contribution, and qualify for the maximum amount of aid permitted by law. With rising college costs consistently outpacing inflation, one should not feel bad about seeking a financial professional's services!
This is no less ethical than the service of a tax accountant, who suggest lawful methods to decrease tax expenses. We are in compliance with the U. S. Department of Education and strictly adhere to all government regulations and requirements.
How We Work Together With Guidance Counselors And Financial Aid Officers
We fully appreciate all that guidance counselors do to assist students. 123College fits into the picture as a supplement to guide both parents and students through the financial aid process. 123College provides helpful information that may literally save you thousands of dollars over the course of a college education.
Working together, we can provide your family with all the options they will need to arrive at the best choice of schools at the best price. We offer the information that will help you to place your family in the best light, helping you file all the necessary financial aid forms. You will be able to make the choices that suit your family best.
In addition, 123College works with financial aid officers at the student's choice of schools. Over the years, we have developed a very successful record of negotiating a better package when possible.
Here's What We Do For You
Show you how to understand the financial aid system.
Analyze your family's ability to receive financial aid.
Develop methods and strategies to increase the amount of financial aid your family can receive.
Assist in the preparation of many applications for financial aid.
Guide in the selection of colleges that offer the best education utilizing financial assistance.
Review all financial aid documents to ensure accuracy and entitlements for financial aid programs.
Negotiate with the institutions for the most beneficial financial aid package for the family.
Provide a computer driven, comprehensive college and career planning system.