Planning for a college education will take an investment of your time and creating a college financial blueprint, implementing that blueprint and monitoring that blueprint.
Is A College Education Affordable
How can college become more affordable? Here is what you need to know. Start the college process early; not all colleges are price equally, so choose wisely, build a robust college application, apply for all financial aid, and scholarships, have a student loan strategy, and compare your award letters.
College Admissions Assistance
While most students will begin in their junior and senior high school years,
it doesn't hurt to start the college process even in middle school.
The college admissions process and the transition from high school to college can seem overwhelming for any student or family.
EmpoweringYourFinance
can help with strategies and resources when applying to a college, university, trade school or taking a gap year.
The applying to college is designed to help families navigate the academic and admissions side of college to get the student accepted to the college of his or her dreams.
There are critical factors in finding the right college and the right fit for your academic studies. Some of these factors are size, location, distance, majors, housing, student body make-up, and athletes.
We offer a simultaneous side-by-side comparison of academic and financial statistics of up to four (4) colleges
at a time. It would help if you were excited about going to college and confident that you would succeed. We can help you narrow the college list.
The college application is your resume/marketing device. It is how you present yourself to a college or university admissions committee.
The
application is your opportunity to stand out
from all the other candidates who apply for admissions.
You can enhance your college application if you know what they are looking for in the selection process. We can assist and provide valuable information and strategies for completing your college application.
Free PDF Download Reference Guide For Applying for Financial Aid and The FAFSA®
There are two types of financial aid: need-based, which is based on your family's ability to pay, and merit-based, which is based on a student's academic, athletic, or special talent. The discussion here focuses primarily on need-based aid.
This
9-page PDF reference guide
will explain the overview of the financial aid process and the FAFSA®.
All students
need to complete the FAFSA
for financial aid. Students and parents can complete the online FAFSA® application quickly. Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.
Seven Things You Need To Fill Out The FAFSA: 2024-2025:
Your FSA ID
Your Social Security number
Your driver’s license number / If you have one
Your 2022
tax records
Records of your untaxed income
Records of your assets (money)
List of the school(s) you are interested in attending
Need help searching for a college scholarship? You don't need to be at the top of your class or a star athlete.
Any student can apply
for this free money.
We have an extensive database of private scholarships offered by companies, private institutions, and foundations in the U.S. Discover what types of awards are out there and WHERE & WHEN students should apply.
Many students are financing their
college education by taking out student loans. The more you know about types of student loans, the student loan process, and have a loan strategy will help you make a wise decision.
We help individuals and families with the student loan types, streamline the process, and develop a plan to help them choose the right student loan base on their financial situation.
Financial aid
award letters can be confusing. Figuring out how to fund a college education will be determined by your award letters. One problem is that there are no standard forms or terms that describe the awards letters.
We will help you understand each award letter offer and make a side-by-side comparison.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO GET THE AWARD LETTERS RIGHT!