FAQ’s
What Does a College Financial Planner Do?
A college planner helps families make smart decisions about college admissions and college costs.
At College Planning Professionals, we guide families through:
✔ How money and financial aid work
✔ Financial aid and FAFSA/CSS Profile planning
✔ Avoid costly mistakes
✔ Understanding the true cost of college
Our role is to help you choose schools that make sense academically and financially.
We Make “too much” Money. How is Financial Aid Still Possible?
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Many families who believe they won’t qualify for aid actually do—especially at certain colleges.
We help families:
✔ Understand real eligibility
✔ Identify schools that offer strong merit aid
✔ Make informed choices about affordability
✔ Reposition assets to qualify for aid
✔ Utilize uncommon tax strategies
✔ Learn how money works and pay for college efficiently
Can a College Financial Planner Really Help with Financial Aid?
Yes—when done correctly.
We help families:
✔ Understand how money and financial aid works
✔ Avoid FAFSA mistakes that reduce eligibility
✔ Identify scholarship/grant opportunities within financial plan
✔ Compare college offers accurately
✔ Position families financially to qualify for aid
Financial aid isn’t just about income—it’s about strategy.
Do You Help with Financial Aid Forms?
Absolutely.
We guide families step-by-step through:
✔ FAFSA/CSS Profile completion
✔ Understanding Student Aid Index (SAI)
✔ Avoiding common errors
✔ Meeting deadlines
✔ Ensuring consistency on financial forms
Accuracy matters. One mistake can cost thousands.
How Is This Different From a School Counselor?
School counselors are incredibly valuable—but they’re often responsible for hundreds of students. Most school counselors don’t understand the financial side of college planning.
We provide:
✔ One-on-one guidance
✔ Personalized financial strategy
✔ Time, attention, and follow-through
We complement—not replace—school counseling.
Is College Financial Planning Just for Top Students?
No.
College financial planning is about fit, options, and affordability, not just GPA.
We work with:
✔ High-achieving students
✔ Students with unique goals or circumstances
✔ Families that need a plan to pay college costs more efficiently
Every student deserves a plan—not guesswork.
When Should Families Start College Financial Planning?
Earlier than what most people think.
Ideally:
✔ 8th grade: pre-financial planning
✔ Freshman–Sophomore year: academic and financial strategy
✔ Junior year: college list, testing, financial planning
✔ Senior year: applications, FAFSA/CSS Profile, award comparison
It’s never too late. We regularly help juniors and seniors get clarity quickly.
How Much Does College Planning Cost?
The cost of college planning is far less than the cost of mistakes.
We offer different service options based on:
✔ Family needs
✔ Level of support required
We’re happy to discuss options during a free strategy session.
Is the Strategy Session Really Free?
Yes.
The strategy session is:
✔ Informational
✔ Pressure-free
✔ Designed to give clarity
You’ll leave knowing whether college financial planning support makes sense for your family.
Why Should We Trust College Planning Professionals?
Because we focus on:
✔ Clarity over confusion
✔ Strategy over stress
✔ Long-term impact over quick fixes
Our goal is simple:
Help families make confident, informed college financial decisions based on decades of experience and satisfied clients.