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Become a College Aid Pro (Expert)

Counselor PD Course (LinkedIn Post)

Who: Counselors looking to improve their financial aid & scholarship literacy

What: 3-Part Course covering all things financial aid & scholarships. Counselors will receive  PD credit and a certification.  

Where: Virtual. Live and On-Demand.

When: Every Other Wednesday @ 12pm ET/9am PT Starting 2/11, Ending 3/11

Register Below!

Join us Wednesdays (2/11, 2/25 & 3/11) @ 12pm ET/9am PT 

1-Jan-21-2026-06-49-03-0372-PM

Session 1: Financial Aid & Scholarships 101 

How SAIs Are Calculated: 

FAFSA (Federal Methodology) vs. CSS Profile (Institutional Methodology)

Special Considerations:

Two-household families, Home ownership & Business ownership

How SAIs Influence College Affordability:

Estimating Institutional Scholarships & Identifying and Securing Private Scholarships

2-Jan-21-2026-06-49-03-1308-PM

Session 2: Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters & Appeals

How to interpret and compare financial aid offers

How to evaluate award accuracy and determine if an offer is reasonable

Need-Based versus Merit-Based Appeals

3-Jan-21-2026-06-49-03-1373-PM

Session 3: How to Pay the Bill & Borrow if Necessary

Funding Strategies and Resource Selection:

Comparing 529 Plans vs. UTMA/UGMA Accounts, Coordinating Grandparent Contributions, Utilizing Current Cash Flow & Borrowing Strategies

Education Loan Options:

Federal Direct Student Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Private Education Loans, State-Sponsored Loans & Alternative (Non-Traditional) Financing Options

Additional Financing Resources:

Home Equity, 401(k) Assets & Cash Value Life Insurance