How to Build a College List That Maximizes Aid
One of the most important—and overlooked—steps in the college planning process is building the right college list. Many families begin with a dream school or a list of brand names, but that can lead to unnecessary debt, missed aid opportunities, or limited choices.
At Diversified College Planning, we help families flip the process. Instead of picking schools first and worrying about cost later, we focus on financial fit up front—so your student applies to colleges that are generous with aid and aligned with your budget.
What to Consider When Building Your List:
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Net Price: The cost after scholarships and aid, not the sticker price
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Merit Aid Policies: Does the school offer scholarships for academics or leadership?
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Need-Based Aid Generosity: How much unmet need does the school typically cover?
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Graduation Rates: A 4-year school that takes 6 years to finish will cost a lot more
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Career Outcomes: What are job placement and starting salaries like for graduates?
How to Start:
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Run net price calculators on each school’s website
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Compare aid packages based on past admissions data
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Balance your list between safety, target, and reach schools—not by admissions criteria, but by financial value
The goal? A list of schools that are likely to admit your student and offer strong aid packages.
Contact Us Today:
Need help building a smart, aid-focused college list?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
