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College Funding Solutions
You love your kids, but you shouldn't have to give up your retirement to pay for their education.
Where do you start?
This web page is designed to provide resources and information so you can get your child accepted to the best school and pay the absolute, lowest price
Here is a great place to start with some basics things you will need to know.
Scholarship Resources and Search Engines:
- https://americancollegefoundation.org/school-counselor-acf-scholarship-details/
- www.unigo.com
- www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx
- https://pages.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
- https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/college-scholarships/
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/residence-state/texas
- https://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/state/ LendEUD’s Guide to College Scholarships
Scholarship Search App
Scholly-a scholarship match service ($3 fee to register)
Scholarships for undocumented students: https://mydocumentedlife.org/category/high-school-scholarships
Applying to more than one Texas School?
House Bill 3 or HB3 Changes Now Require that All Graduating Students Must Complete a Financial Aid Application to Graduate.
Beginning in 2021-2022, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:
- complete and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) : (FAFSA)
- complete and submit a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA) : (TASFA)
- submit a signed opt-out form: TEA Opt-out Form
For more information on House Bill 3.
Here is HB3 in 30 minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unL1iJeBFAU
HB3 Slides & Financial Aid Requirement Presentation: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/HB-3-FAFSA-Final-Deck.pdf
Additional Resources:
College FS: https://mycollegeinfo.com/advisor-ric-carroll/
American College Foundation: https://americancollegefoundation.org/regional-director-ric-carroll/
Texas Comptroller Alphabetical Index to Scholarships: https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/education/msp/funding/aid/faidalpha.php
The biggest challenge to getting into the best college and paying the best price often comes down to a combination of academic competition, financial planning, navigating the admissions process effectively, processing information, and handling the stress and anxiety to make the right decision. Here’s a breakdown:
- Selective Admissions: The best colleges often have very low acceptance rates, meaning that even highly qualified students may face rejection. High GPAs, top standardized test scores, impressive extracurricular activities, and strong recommendation letters are all typically required.
- Holistic Review: Many top colleges use a holistic admissions process, evaluating not just academic performance but also personal qualities, unique talents, leadership, and how well you fit with the school’s values. This can make the process unpredictable.
- Cost of Attendance: Top colleges can be extremely expensive, with tuition, fees, room, and board totaling upwards of $70,000 per year.
- Need-Based Aid: While many elite colleges offer substantial need-based financial aid, the calculation can vary widely based on your family’s financial situation. Some families may find that their expected contribution is still unaffordable.
- Merit Scholarships: Many top schools do not offer merit-based scholarships, focusing instead on need-based aid. This can make it harder to reduce costs unless you qualify for need-based assistance.
- Application Strategy: Deciding where to apply, whether to use early decision/action options, and how to present your application can be complex and stressful.
- Financial Planning: Balancing the desire to attend a top school with the reality of student debt is crucial. Families often need to explore various financial aid options, including federal aid, loans, work-study, and outside scholarships.
- Understanding the System: The financial aid process involves understanding FAFSA, CSS Profile, and each school’s specific requirements. Mistakes or misunderstandings can lead to higher costs or less aid.
- Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to get into a top college and secure financial aid can be overwhelming, affecting both students and their families.
- Decision Making: Weighing prestige versus financial reality, and potential long-term debt, requires careful thought and sometimes difficult decisions.
Overcoming These Challenges
- Early Preparation: Start preparing early with academics, extracurriculars, and standardized testing.
- Research and Application: Apply to a mix of schools, including safety, match, and reach colleges. Also, understand the financial aid policies of each school.
- Financial Literacy: Understand the financial aid process and how to navigate through all of the red tape.
Do you want to get your child into their dream school, but afraid the cost will be too much?
You can try it on your own, but you're going to need lots of time, patience, and available resources….
or
How would you like someone to hold your hand and guide you through the processes and red tape?
Plush Retirement will leverage their expertise and partnerships with the American College Foundation and College Funding Solutions to get you the best school, at the very best price, through our scholarship, financial aid, grant, and “hidden money” programs
