College planning is complicated. Divorce can make it even more so.
Who files the FAFSA?
Will the other parent be required to provide financial information?
What happens if one parent earns significantly more than the other?
How does remarriage affect financial aid?
Who is expected to pay for college?
What if your former spouse isn't involved...or simply won't cooperate?
And most importantly: How can you help your child attend college without making a financial decision your family will regret?
These are exactly the kinds of questions I help separated, divorced, remarried and single parents answer. You do not have to figure all of this out on your own.
"We heard back about our financial aid award and we got everything covered including tuition, room and board!! In fact, we will be getting a refund of about $150 in addition to not having to pay anything! We are super thankful for all your help and allowing us to save so much money. Once again, thank you so much!" A.B. Pennsylvania
Many parents come to College Financial Prep feeling:
✔️ Overwhelmed by financial aid rules
✔️ Unsure who should file FAFSA
✔️ Concerned about affordability
✔️ Frustrated by communication challenges between households
✔️ Unsure how college costs will be divided
✔️ Worried about making expensive mistakes
✔️ Nervous about involving a former spouse or new step-parents in the process
Our role is to help parents better understand the process while creating a calmer, more informed path forward.
We work virtually with either one parent or both in all 50 states.
All information is kept confidential and never shared with a co-parent.
College Financial Prep founder, Vicki Vollweiler, is the leading authority on the topic of Divorce and College Planning. Recommended by Lawyers, Mediators, Therapists and other Divorce Professionals, Vicki, a divorced parent herself, is pleased to help her clients both save money and reduce stress when planning for their children's college education.
The book College Planning For Divorced and Widowed Parents, is available on Amazon and is perfect for all who are separated, divorced, remarried, widowed and for those parents who were never married.
Depending upon where you are in the college process, we may look at:
FAFSA strategy
Determine which parent should file and understand how your family structure affects the application.
CSS Profile requirements
Understand whether colleges may require financial information from both parents and what options may exist when a parent is absent or uninvolved.
College affordability
Estimate what colleges may actually cost your family before your child becomes emotionally attached to an unaffordable option.
College list strategy
Identify colleges that may be more financially favorable based upon your student's academics and your family's circumstances.
Divorce agreements and college expenses
Identify college-related financial issues parents may want to discuss with their attorney, mediator or other divorce professional.
Remarriage and changing family circumstances
Understand how remarriage, income changes, job loss and other life events may affect financial aid.
Financial aid applications, awards and appeals
Navigate FAFSA, CSS Profile, financial aid offers, special circumstances and appeals.
Paying the remaining college bill
Evaluate scholarships, savings, payment plans, student loans and parent financing options.
"Working with Vicki was truly masterful. She kept everything completely confidential between us as co-parents, while helping us understand how to save thousands on college. It made a stressful situation feel manageable." - TG, NY
This was my first time working with Vicki. She assisted me with college financial applications. She was a pleasure to work with, organized, great communication and went above and beyond to make sure that my deadlines were met!
Vicki was AMAZING in helping us with the stressful process of completing the FAFSA & CSS Profile.
She was on top of everything! And we saved a lot of money! I would recommend College Financial Prep to anyone in a heartbeat.
This easy-to-use tool includes top scholarship databases and space to track deadlines, award amounts and more. Customize it to fit your needs—and help to maximize opportunities!
Neutral Third-Party Mediation: We serve as a neutral advisor/mediator to help separated or divorced parents navigate college planning decisions without the stress of conflict.
Maximize Financial Aid: Expert guidance on strategies that maximize financial aid eligibility, especially for divorced or separated families with unique financial circumstances.
College List Assistance: We make sure to include colleges that will be financially friendlier for Separated and Divorced parents.
Reduce Financial Stress: Minimize college costs through expert negotiations, scholarships, and financial aid strategies, saving clients thousands of dollars.
Experience with Complex Family Dynamics: Extensive experience working with divorced, remarried, and blended families, providing guidance that simplifies complicated financial and legal considerations.
FAFSA and CSS Profile Assistance: Expert support for correctly completing financial aid forms, including how to handle custodial parent information for the best financial outcome.
Memorandums Of Understanding: We discuss with you and then draft agreements regarding all aspects of college planning between you and your co-parent. We make sure that all areas are included and considered.
Financial Hardship Pricing: I believe families experiencing financial hardship should still have access to reliable college financial guidance. A limited number of reduced-fee Divorce & College Planning Strategy Sessions are available for separated, divorced and widowed parents who meet certain financial-need criteria, including participation in qualifying means-tested assistance programs. Please contact me if you'd like to learn more.
"Thank you, Vicki, for making everything I don't understand about how to save money on the cost of college work for us and our situation! You're truly great!" M.S., New York City, NY
At College Financial Prep, we understand what parents are going through, both emotionally and financially, when planning for college—especially when disagreements arise with your child’s other parent. Our mission is to provide you with the expertise, support, and peace of mind to ensure your child gets the best education at the best price, all while reducing stress and minimizing conflict.
As a neutral third party, and Divorce & College Planning mediator, we help bridge the gap between you and your child’s other parent, easing tensions and securing the financial aid, scholarships, and loans your family needs.
Whether you’re looking for full-service support to navigate the complexities of divorce and college planning, the camaraderie of a group coaching program with other separated or divorced parents, or prefer budget-friendly, on-demand online courses and resources, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
The founder of College Financial Prep, Vicki Vollweiler, is a divorced mom of two children who has been through the Divorce & College Planning process both personally and professionally. In addition, Vicki is also a Certified Divorce Coach. College Financial Prep was initially founded to serve the specific needs of Separated & Divorced Parents who are planning for the college educations of their children at any age or stage of parenting.
Vicki Vollweiler is the founder of College Financial Prep and specializes in Divorce & College Planning.
As both a professional and a divorced mom herself, Vicki understands how emotional and overwhelming the college planning process can feel particularly when navigating multiple households, changing financial circumstances and difficult conversations surrounding college expenses.
Vicki has helped families across the country better understand financial aid, reduce college costs and navigate the process with more confidence and less stress.
She is also the author of:
“College Planning For Divorced & Widowed Parents.”
Whether you are newly separated, divorced for many years, remarried, widowed or simply trying to better understand your options, College Financial Prep is here to help you navigate college planning with more clarity, confidence and support. [Button: Schedule A Consultation]
The New York State Council of Divorce Mediation.
Divorce Professionals Network
Fresh Starts Registry
We are pleased to work with clients, Attorneys, Mediators, Certified Divorce Financial Analysts and Divorce Coaches nationwide.