Amvision College Planning

College Financial Aid

The cost of attending college in the United States has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Without financial aid, these costs are prohibitive for the vast majority of American families. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that over 85% of full-time undergraduate students at four-year colleges receive some form of financial aid. 

The U.S. Department of Education has found that students who receive substantial financial aid are significantly more likely to enroll, persist, and complete college. Financial aid expands a student's options and allows them to consider institutions they might otherwise deem unaffordable. According to The Education Trust, low-income students who receive adequate financial support are 3 times more likely to graduate than those who do not receive aid.

Many institutions use these forms to allocate merit-based and need-based aid, so failure to apply can result in missing out on both. By submitting financial aid applications, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and, in some cases, the CSS Profile, students unlock access to:

• Federal grants (e.g., Pell Grants, FSEOG)
   
• State aid programs
   
• Federal work-study opportunities
   
• Low-interest student loans (e.g., Direct Subsidized Loans)
   
• Institutional grants and scholarships awarded by colleges

Financial aid isn’t just about submitting forms, it often requires strategic planning years in advance. Factors such as:

• Family income and assets
   
• Timing of tax filings
   
• Sibling college enrollment
   
• Home equity and business ownership
   

… can all affect the Student Aid Index (SAI) used to calculate eligibility. Even high income families and high-net-worth families may benefit from certified college funding specialists who can optimize income shifting, asset allocation and reduce unnecessary financial exposure, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.