We’re Filling the Affordability Gap in Education.
Why Choose Diversified College Planning?
We saw a gap in the college planning process. Most companies focus only on SAT/ACT prep, admissions, or college selection—but they leave out a key part: how to afford college. We combined our financial and academic expertise to create a complete solution. Our service brings together an academic support center, a college funding expert, and a social media specialist—all in one.
A Message From Our Founder
Rick Stolz
Colleges are businesses, and their product is education. What was once called “admissions” is now known as “strategic enrollment management,” using advanced algorithms and AI to maximize their revenue—not necessarily to serve the student’s best interests. Universities market themselves to attract the most profitable students, not always the most qualified. Many families fall into this trap, unaware of how the system truly works. We can help you understand how colleges operate behind the scenes and show you how to find your Student Aid Index (SAI) and legally lower it to make college more affordable.
We are not salespeople. We are problem solvers. Whether it’s life insurance, annuities, long-term care, or funding for college, our mission is to find the right solution for you—one that provides security, stability, and peace of mind.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. We look forward to serving you.
About Us
A Proven Process, and A Team You Can Trust
Many families don’t know where to start with college planning—whether it’s choosing the right school, affording it, or using savings wisely. We help you find the best-fit college, including schools that may actually pay you to attend. With our plan, doors open to colleges you thought were out of reach academically or financially. If you’ve built a college fund, we’ll create a strategy to stretch those savings so you’re not left with a zero or negative balance after graduation. Just like you wouldn’t shop for a house without knowing what you can afford, we help you prequalify for college. Our process includes calculating your Student Aid Index (SAI), seeing if we can lower it, and identifying colleges that offer you the most money. On average, we save families $80,000 with a graduation rate of 95%.
We help you focus on academics, not Economics.
College funding and financial planning are not the same. Even the most well-prepared retirement plan can fall short if college costs aren’t factored in. Most financial advisors aren’t specialists in the college admissions or financial aid process. Do they know how to navigate FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines, evaluate aid offers, file appeals, or leverage competing offers from schools? With over 6,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., it takes specialized, up-to-date insight to make the best choices—and that’s exactly what we deliver.
If we don’t believe we can help you than we will tell you up front. We have helped over 30,000 families for 20+ years, we understand colleges market for you, but not for YOUR benefit.
Our Leadership
Experienced Professionals, Committed to You and Your Child’s Success!
Jarad Stolz CRPC, CLTC
Jarad Stolz brings a wealth of experience and insight to Diversified College Planning, where he works closely with families to make college more affordable through smart, personalized financial strategies. With a deep understanding of both financial planning and the inner workings of the college funding system, Jarad helps families reduce out-of-pocket costs without compromising long-term financial stability.
Jarad specializes in college funding strategies that go beyond basic financial aid advice. He helps parents understand how the Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated and how to legally and strategically lower it to qualify for more need-based aid. His approach includes evaluating financial positioning, helping families restructure assets when appropriate, and identifying schools that are most likely to offer generous merit and institutional aid based on a student’s academic and personal profile.
Through a top-down planning method, Jarad assists families in building a focused college list—starting with over 2,500 schools and narrowing it to those where the student fits in socially, gets in academically, and most importantly, gets paid to attend. His ability to merge admissions strategy with financial strategy allows families to avoid overpaying, reduce debt exposure, and protect retirement savings in the process.
Jarad’s dedication to transparency and individualized planning has helped countless families approach the college process with clarity and confidence. Whether working with first-time applicants or families navigating college for multiple children, Jarad ensures every plan is grounded in logic, driven by data, and designed for long-term success.
Mike Dusombre CRPC, CLTC
Mike Dusombre plays a key role at Diversified College Planning, where he brings a unique combination of financial insight and real-world practicality to the college funding process. With years of experience guiding families through complex financial decisions, Mike focuses on delivering straightforward, effective strategies that reduce the cost of college and protect long-term financial goals.
Mike works with families to simplify every stage of the planning process—from understanding financial aid formulas to evaluating school affordability and building a strategy that aligns with both college and retirement timelines. His approach emphasizes clarity, efficiency, and impact. By helping families lower their Student Aid Index (SAI), uncover merit-based opportunities, and strategically target colleges that offer substantial aid, Mike ensures families don’t just find the right school—they find the right financial fit.
What sets Mike apart is his ability to translate financial strategy into meaningful outcomes for each student and family. He takes the time to understand the full picture—academic goals, household finances, and long-term priorities—then creates a plan that balances them all. Families value his honest, no-fluff communication style and his commitment to helping them make confident, informed decisions in an otherwise overwhelming process.
Through personalized guidance and a data-driven approach, Mike helps families avoid common mistakes, minimize debt, and save tens of thousands of dollars on the true cost of college. His mission is simple: make the path to college more affordable, more strategic, and far less stressful.
Jason Stolz CRPC, CLTC
Jason Stolz plays a leading role at Diversified College Planning, where he works directly with families to simplify the college process and significantly reduce the cost of education. With nearly two decades of experience in financial services, Jason brings a practical, results-driven approach to college planning—helping students fit in, get in, and get paid.
Jason specializes in guiding families through every step of the admissions and financial aid process. From identifying schools that are the right social and academic fit to leveraging proprietary tools that pinpoint where students are most likely to receive generous aid, Jason helps parents and students build a strategy that makes college affordable without compromising other financial goals.
He works closely with families to reduce their Student Aid Index (SAI), uncover overlooked merit and need-based opportunities, and avoid common missteps that lead to overpaying. Known for his clear communication and strategic mindset, Jason focuses on outcomes—helping families save tens of thousands of dollars while preserving retirement savings and limiting student debt.
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