Every family’s college financial situation is different. You may be wondering:
Are the colleges on our list financially realistic?
Will we qualify for financial aid?
How do FAFSA and the CSS Profile apply to our family?
Where should we look for scholarships?
What happens if our financial situation has changed?
How much should we borrow...and how much is too much?
How does divorce, separation or remarriage affect financial aid?
Are we missing opportunities to reduce the cost of college?
You don't need to know exactly what kind of help you need before reaching out. Let's discuss what is going on, and we'll figure out the best next step together.
Vicki is an amazing advocate with much wisdom and a heart of gold. She understands the intersection of the college application process and related finances (including the FAFSA), co-parenting, and the complexities and stress of both. She has helped my son on his path toward his top school, and helped me to get him there with my sanity intact. Cannot recommend her highly enough. - R.S., NJ
I work with families nationwide, from the early planning years through the final college decision and paying the bill.
Depending upon your family's needs, I help with:
College Cost & Financial Aid Strategy
Understand what colleges may actually cost your family, how financial aid works, and where you may have opportunities to save.
FAFSA & CSS Profile
Get help understanding and completing financial aid applications and avoiding mistakes that could cost your family money.
Financially Smart College Lists
Look beyond the published price and evaluate colleges based on what your family may realistically pay.
Scholarships & Merit Aid
Develop a strategy for finding colleges and outside scholarships that may help reduce your cost.
Financial Aid Award Review & Appeals
Compare offers, understand the numbers and determine whether there may be an opportunity to request additional aid.
Student & Parent Loan Planning
Understand your options before taking on debt and determine how borrowing fits into your overall college plan.
Planning Ahead
Have a younger student? Starting early gives you more time to make strategic financial decisions.
Divorce & College Planning
FAFSA, CSS Profile, remarriage, multiple households and paying for college can become significantly more complicated when parents are separated or divorced. College Financial Prep provides neutral, confidential guidance while protecting each parent's private financial information.
That's completely fine.
Many parents contact me knowing they have questions but not knowing what type of help makes the most sense.
You might need help with one specific issue, a strategy session to look at the bigger picture, assistance with financial aid applications, or more comprehensive support.
You don't have to figure that out before contacting me.
Tell me a little about your family, your student and what's worrying you. I'll help you determine the most appropriate next step.
Not every family needs one-on-one assistance.
The College Financial Prep Online Store includes affordable guides, spreadsheets and other resources you can use on your own for financial aid, scholarships, college cost planning, appeals and divorce-related college planning.
Vicki is a wealth of knowledge! She impressed me within the first few minutes of talking with her. She was able to help me figure out estimated costs of the colleges my child is interested in so we can make educated decisions. - S.S., NC
Families come to College Financial Prep because they want to:
✓ Reduce the cost of college
✓ Avoid costly mistakes
✓ Understand their financial aid options
✓ Make financially informed college decisions
✓ Compare colleges based on affordability — not simply sticker price
✓ Have an experienced, neutral person help them navigate the process
✓ Reduce some of the stress surrounding paying for college
Every recommendation is based on your family's unique financial circumstances, household situation, goals and timeline.
Thank you for your time and wisdom today! I spoke with my former husband and had a successful conversation sticking with your advice. I'm 90% certain that my daughter will land at her top choice college without too much more drama. You're the best!! R.C., NY
Whether your student is years away from college, applying right now, waiting for financial aid offers or preparing to make the final decision, there may be opportunities to make college more affordable.
Tell me what's going on. We'll take it one piece at a time and determine what makes sense for your family.
CEO of College Financial Prep