1. Discover how colleges award financial aid and how to maximize the amount you receive
2. Calculate college costs & family contibution, evaluate eligibility requirements, and compare colleges & financial awards
3. Comprehensive financial modeling for college and Reap financial aid funding from all possible sources

 Scholarships are merit-based financial awards granted to students regardless of financial need. They are typically awarded based on academic achievement, talent, leadership, athletic ability, community service, or other accomplishments.

Scholarships are offered by colleges and universities, private foundations, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.

Federal Grants, State Grants and College Grants are need-based financial awards provided by the federal and state governments and college to help students pay for college.

Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. Notable examples include the Federal Pell Grant and the State MAP Grant (Monetary Award Program) in Illinois etc.

College Planning Corp. – College Financial Aid Consulting Services

 

“Good planning turns elusive dreams into reality. True fortune begins when opportunity meets preparation.”

 

 We take pride in supporting education through personalized financial aid solutions tailored to each family’s unique needs.

At College Planning Corp., our Financial Aid Consulting Services are designed to strategically guide families through the complex process of financing higher education.

 Our mission is to minimize out-of-pocket costs while maximizing funding opportunities for both students and parents. We act as your financial architect, helping you build a smarter path to college affordability—while also optimizing your broader financial outlook.

We conduct a comprehensive review of all available financial strategies to reduce the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and increase eligibility for aid.

 In addition, we offer expert guidance and coaching for completing essential applications, including:

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• CSS Profile (for institutional and non-federal aid)

• College-specific financial aid forms and appeals

 We help families avoid common mistakes that could cost them thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars in lost financial aid opportunities.

How will you pay for college—and how can your money work harder for you?

College Planning Corp. specializes in maximizing financial aid packages and helping families make smarter financial choices. We provide strategic guidance on all major forms of aid, including:

• Federal and state grants

• Institutional scholarships

• Merit- and need-based aid

• Work-study programs

• Federal and college loan options

Our goal is clear:
To help families secure the funding they need, avoid unnecessary debt, and make informed financial decisions that support long-term success.

      Glossary of College  Financial aid

• ACADEMIC YEAR
• ACCRUAL DATE
• AWARD LETTER
• CAPITALIZATION
• CITIZEN/ELIGIBLE NON CITIZEN
• COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE PROFILE (CSS PROFILE)
• CONSOLIDATION
• COST OF ATTENDANCE
• DEFAULT
• DEFERMENT
• DEPENDENCY STATUS
• DISBURSEMENT
• ELIGIBLE PROGRAM
• ENTRANCE/EXIT INTERVIEWS
• EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC)
• FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
• FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
• FEDERAL METHODOLOGY (FM)
• FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR (FAA)
• FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE
• FINANCIAL NEED
• FORBEARANCE
• GRANT
• GRACE PERIOD
• INSTITUTIONAL METHODOLOGY
• INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION REPORT
• INTEREST
• IRS TAX RETURN TRANSCRIPT
• LATE FILER
• LENDER
• LOAN CAP PROGRAM
• LOAN REPLACEMENT GRANT
• MERIT-BASED AID
• NEED-BASED AID
• NEEDS ANALYSIS
• NEW BORROWER
• NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATA SYSTEM (NSLDS)
• PARENT CONTRIBUTION
• PELL GRANT
• PERKINS LOAN
• PRINCIPAL
• PROMISSORY NOTE
• REPAYMENT SCHEDULE
• SELF HELP-Work-Study
• SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG)
• STUDENT CONTRIBUTION
• STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR)
• SUBSIDIZED LOAN
• UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN
• VERIFICATION