Host: what is a Certified College Funding Specialist?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: A Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS) is an individual certified by the Association of Certified College Funding Specialists. The CCFS designation is most recognized college financial planning certification in the financial industry.
Host: How does someone get started working with a Certified College Funding Specialist?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: The process of working with a Certified College Funding Specialist starts with an initial complimentary consultation to determine the college funding needs of the family. The CCFS will explain the financial aid process and outline the opportunities to lower the families out of pocket college costs. The CCFS will help the student identify those colleges that are most generous based on their academic track record and the financial situation of the family.
Host: What are the main types of financial aid?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: There are four main types of financial aid. Assistance can be in the form of grants, scholarships, self-help and work study. The needs and qualification for different types of aid vary from student to student. The Certified College Financial Specialist will help uncover the financial aid possibilities and complete the financial aid process from start to finish to make sure the family pays their fair share of college expenses.
Host: What are the required financial aid applications?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: The financial aid process is comprised of three main applications. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile and state specific grant and scholarship applications. It’s important to know what applications are required and their respective deadlines for each individual university to ensure the student receives the best overall financial aid package.
Host: What documents are required to apply for financial aid?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: The financial aid process begins with your prior-prior year tax return. So for the 2025-2026 school, the 2023 federal tax return will be used to complete the applications. The applications will also ask for bank account and investment account balances for both the student and the parent. It’s extremely important to know how certain assets will affect eligibility for financial aid. A Certified College Funding Specialist can calculate your family contribution prior to submitting your applications to avoid surprises!
Host: Can someone negotiate their financial aid package?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: A family should always ask the college for a reconsideration of their financial aid award package. If there is a change in income, exceptional personal or medical expenses or the inability to afford the out of pocket costs, the parents should request a professional judgment appeal for the student’s top universities. Many colleges will ask for competing award letters from other universities to see if they can match the more generous offers.
Host: What are the funding options to pay for the remainder balance left after financial aid?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: Once the school is decided and net costs are known, the family can use personal savings, 529 plans, or a variety of loans to help pay the remaining costs. A Certified College Funding Specialist can help the family out determine the most cost effective way to pay your share without bankrupting your financial future.
Host: Do students need to repeat this process every year they are in school or is it just necessary upon entering college?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: Need-based aid needs to be. applied for each and every year. At a minimum the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be required to renew your award but there may be additional applications required depending on the school. A CCFS can guide you in not only the initial application process but also in the renewal process. Many factors will determine the student’s financial aid package each year, such as change in finances circumstances, more than one child attending college at the same time or other changes that could the families ability to pay.
Host: How can our readers get started with you?
Peter Lawrence of Hauppauge, NY: To schedule your initial complimentary consultation you can reach out to:
For more information, contact Pete Lawrence, CCFS at:
631-406-5197
[email protected]
