Financial Strategy
Learn the secrets of college funding and how to pay for college in the most cost-effective manner. EFS will help you develop a financial strategy that will cut your out-of-pocket costs.
Client Support
Correct and timely filing of paperwork is one of the biggest challenges for college-bound families. Our families have their forms completed by EFS’s experienced staff, who will be happy to answer your questions throughout the college planning process. They are just a phone call away.
Over the years, EFS has developed a process that anticipates what needs to be done to meet financial aid deadlines and requirements for over 4,000 public and private colleges. Most parents find that relying on their child to keep up with deadlines is ineffective, and there is too much at stake to risk letting the forms and papers get buried under incoming bills and the rest of the paperwork that swamps busy families every day.
Expert in Meeting Deadlines
You can count on the experienced staff at EFS to file your federal aid applications and guide you each step of the way.
No more confusing questions such as, “What are the deadlines for forms? How will we meet those deadlines? What information do we need to provide? How will we know if we’re on track?” EFS is only a phone call away.
Explore Our Services
Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
We will show you legal, balanced, and appropriate ways to reduce your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by using up-to-date and powerful “Income and Asset Planning Strategies.” We will also make recommendations for paying your out-of-pocket costs on a “tax-favored” basis whenever possible, considering your four biggest cash outflows: taxes, home/mortgage, retirement, and college.
Comprehensive College/Career Assessment Program
The major reason why 56% of students who complete their freshman year of college drop out is because they are in the wrong major, at the wrong college, for the wrong reasons. Our unique Comprehensive College/Career Assessment Program allows students to assess their interests, learning skills, values, and careers to determine potential majors, colleges, and careers. Parents looking for a career change find this program helpful also.
Determine % of Need Met by Colleges
Colleges have different aid standards. It is important to know which schools may be the most generous to your student, depending on their unique set of abilities and characteristics. As you have no doubt learned, different schools are looking for different qualifications in a student, so it can pay to know which schools might most highly value your student.
Electronically File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To be eligible for any college aid (grants, scholarships, and loans), all college-bound families must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in January, based on income and asset estimates. While it appears to be a simple form, the Department of Education freely admits that you only have a 10% chance of getting it right without help. EFS will file electronically for you, and we get it right the first time.
Electronically File CSS Financial Aid Profile (FAP)
Ten percent of private colleges require an additional aid application known as the CSS Profile (there is an additional charge for this service), which EFS files electronically for you. Over 800 intrusive questions cover everything from home equity and retirement plans to medical expenses and even what you paid on your cars. The answers must match the FAFSA. If you are divorced or own your own business, there are two additional supplemental forms. The way all of these forms are answered greatly impacts your potential aid.
Review Aid Awards
We review each aid offer and help you develop a negotiation strategy if the offer is substantially less than expected based on historical standards. If you have a substantial reduction in income or any other circumstance that would impact the aid your family is entitled to, EFS will help prepare an appeal.
Assistance with Student & Parent Loans
Low-interest college loans are considered financial aid. Our staff will help you determine the best loans or other ways of paying for college expenses without tapping your retirement funds or other assets.
Peace of Mind
Working with EFS, you will have PEACE OF MIND as you make major financial decisions that will impact your current standard of living and your future retirement.