The Oxford Dictionary defines “paradox” in part as “a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.”
To qualify for need-based financial aid, students obviously must demonstrate “need.”
However, the reality is that parents are in their peak earning years when their kids are heading off to college. The timing is all wrong. When families need financial aid at the time of sending their kids off to college, they don’t really “need” the money in the eyes of those awarding aid.
What can you do?
Hoping for scholarships is not a strategy. You need to have a detailed plan that minimizes student loans. Planning for how to pay for college needs as much attention, if not more, than planning for how to pay for retirement. The runway to save and eventually pay for college is short, and the start date cannot be delayed as your retirement can. Once college starts, you are going to get a bill whether you like it or not. Luckily, there are several things you can do to get ahead of the game.
Talk to Your Student
Have the money conversation with your student so you both have a clear plan for what you can afford, and how you will get there. Understanding what you can feasibly afford to contribute, and what your students will need to cover through their own savings, work during school, or student loans, can help you set a family budget that minimizes debt and maximizes your student’s college return on investment. Being candid with your student about what funds are available to them can help to limit their focus during application season, and when weighing their options.
Think About Financial Aid
Understand which schools will offer you tuition discounts regardless of your financial need. This may mean looking at schools that have lower tuition for state residents, or alumni scholarship opportunities. Sometimes smaller schools in your state offer better scholarships or discounts than the “big name” state or private schools, as well. Be prepared to look around for the best program at the best price.
Create a Plan to Pay
Pay attention to cash flow, and include that in a pay-as-you-go strategy. Every college offers a different form of a pay-as-you-go program. Leveraging the current funds you use to pay for your kids at home to drive down their monthly college tuition expenses can help to lower the amount of total debt they take on.
Leverage Student Loans Wisely
Use student loans wisely! Find a trusted resource to provide you with sound guidance. Working with a fiduciary financial planning team can help you to identify how to minimize your future grad’s debt, and ways to borrow wisely when it’s needed.
Know Before You Go
One of the biggest roadblocks that families face is understanding what the true cost of college is. It’s impossible to plan without understanding what the final bill will look like! Our team can help you determine how much colleges think you can afford, the “sticker price” of your top colleges, and whether or not you qualify for financial aid at specific institutions on your student’s list.
In the end, you can fulfill your needs even though you don’t appear (in the eyes of financial aid) to have any. With careful planning, your child can graduate with minimal student loan debt without robbing your retirement. Ready to get started? Schedule a call with us today to discuss your unique planning needs.
AUTHOR
Mike Bink, AAMS®, CCFS®
Mike works with families to simplify the college funding process and is widely recognized as an expert in college planning. He is passionate about empowering families to become informed consumers of higher education so that they don't pay a penny more for college than they absolutely have to.