Become a College Aid Pro (Expert)

Register for Our 3-Part Course for Counselors Looking to Improve Their Financial Aid & Scholarship Literacy.

What: 3-Part Course covering all things financial aid & scholarships. Counselors will receive  PD credit and a certification.

Where: Virtual. Live and On-Demand.

When: Every Other Wednesday @ 12pm ET/9am PT Starting 2/11, Ending 3/11

Session 1: Financial Aid & Scholarships 101 

  • How SAIs Are Calculated: FAFSA (Federal Methodology) vs. CSS Profile (Institutional Methodology)
  • Special Considerations: Two-household families, Home ownership & Business ownership
  • How SAIs Influence College Affordability: Estimating Institutional Scholarships & Identifying and Securing Private Scholarships

Session 2: Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters & Appeals

  • How to interpret and compare financial aid offers
  • How to evaluate award accuracy and determine if an offer is reasonable
  • Need-Based versus Merit-Based Appeals

Session 3: How to Pay the Bill & Borrow if Necessary

  • Funding Strategies and Resource Selection: Comparing 529 Plans vs. UTMA/UGMA Accounts, Coordinating Grandparent Contributions, Utilizing Current Cash Flow & Borrowing Strategies
  • Education Loan Options: Federal Direct Student Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Private Education Loans, State-Sponsored Loans & Alternative (Non-Traditional) Financing Options
  • Additional Financing Resources: Home Equity, 401(k) Assets & Cash Value Life Insurance

Register today to join us for all three sessions! Recordings will be provided for registrants that cannot attend live.