When Should You Start Planning for College Costs?

As parents, we all want the best for our children’s future, especially when it comes to their education. But navigating the financial side of college planning can feel overwhelming. So, when should you start preparing for the expenses that come with higher education?

Today, we're discussing that common question and sharing insights on how to begin minimizing your child’s college costs and reducing the need for student loans.

Why Start Early?
At College Financial Prep, we typically begin working with families during the 10th or 11th grade. Why so early? This is the best time to consider college options and plan financially. The earlier we start, the more opportunities we have to assess both academic fit and the likelihood of scholarships or need-based aid. However, even in 12th grade, it is not too late...as long as it is before submitting the college applications.

The Importance of the 11th Grade
Junior year is critical! We evaluate colleges not just based on academic programs but also financial considerations. By projecting potential costs, including merit-based scholarships and need-based aid, we help families understand the real financial picture before college applications even begin. This is especially important for parents who may not have been able to save enough money for the full cost of their child's college education. This can also include divorced or separated parents, as some colleges may offer more financial aid based on their family structure.

Planning for Divorce and College Costs
For families going through a divorce, planning becomes even more essential. I work with both parents to ensure that future college costs for younger children are considered during the divorce process. Together, we identify colleges that may be more financially friendly to parents in these situations, helping you to support your children’s education, even after divorce.

Conclusion
Starting early is key to reducing college costs and ensuring your child’s financial future is bright. Whether you’re looking at colleges, preparing college applications and essays or considering how best to pay for college, College Financial Prep is here to guide you every step of the way.

Enjoy These Additional Posts On Related Topics

Meet Vicki Vollweiler, founder of College Financial Prep! Vicki is a single mom with a mission to help other parents save money on the cost of college. With an MBA from Syracuse University (on a full Merit scholarship plus stipend!), Vicki knows firsthand the challenges of navigating college finances. College Financial Prep offers individual consulting and preparation services for parents and their children, as well as budget-friendly options to best serve everyone’s needs. Our services and programs include Financial Aid, College Planning, Scholarships, Student Loans, College Advisory, and Essay Support.

Want a listing of Scholarship Sites & Databases? Register here.

To learn more about the services that College Financial Prep offers and to schedule a free consultation, visit: www.CollegeFinancialPrep.com

For more tips on navigating the college application and college funding processes, follow College Financial Prep's blog! Visit: www.CollegeFinancialPrep.com/blog

To watch or listen to our podcasts, visit: Preparing for College Podcast and Video

To learn about our services,programs and resources, visit: Resources