Money Matters

With the average published price of a private four-year college now topping $40,000 a year – and more than 50 colleges now charging $60,000-plus – cost definitely matters to most families. But what parents and students may not realize is that the best deals in higher education often come from those same very expensive schools. Colleges and universities with large endowments can be extremely generous, and the actual out-of-pocket cost at many private institutions may be substantially lower than the cost at a state school.

At College Well Planned, families can learn strategies to identify the best sources of aid, maximize their child’s scholarship potential and trim those high sticker prices. They’ll learn how to calculate their Expected Family Contribution, get familiar with each college’s Net Price Calculator, and build a college list that takes the family’s own budget into account. Feeling stressed by FAFSAs and CSS/Profiles? Diane can help guide you through that maze as well.

Her bottom-line: Parents should not dip into retirement savings or take out huge loans for college. A “college well planned” is also the right financial fit.

Financial strategies are included in all CWP packages. Families wanting to focus exclusively on financial aid advice or those with special circumstances may want to consider an intensive Mini Package.