College Financial Aid Planning for Summerville Families
Expert FAFSA Guidance and Financial Aid Strategies to Make College More Affordable
“Don’t let money keep you from achieving your college dreams. We can show you target schools that will show you the financial love.” —Chris Parsons, Founder
Financial Aid Counseling for Summerville Families
At The College Planning Center, we specialize in helping Summerville families navigate the often-complex world of college financial aid. With decades of experience, we provide expert guidance on FAFSA, financial aid letters, appeals, and personalized strategies to ensure your student receives the maximum financial aid possible. Our goal is to reduce the real cost of college for Summerville families by maximizing available resources and creating personalized financial plans.
Class of 2017
$255,000 per Student
Class of 2018
$245,000 per Student
Class of 2019
$225,000 per Student
With over 80 years of combined higher education experience among our staff, we’ve worked with over 1,000 students in the past 13 years. Our proven track record shows that with the right financial aid planning, Summerville families can significantly reduce the cost of college. By guiding you through the FAFSA process, reviewing aid letters, and offering personalized strategies, we ensure your student can attend their dream college without the financial burden.
We Visit
Over 30 colleges and universities a year
Over 80 Years
Of higher education experience by our staff
Worked With Over
400 students over the course of 10 years
400:1
Nearly 400 students are assigned to each guidance counselor in SC public schools on average.
+150/+3
Boosting SAT & ACT scores can translate into a $2-10k tuition reduction. We can help you get there!
97%
Of our Class of 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 students who were accepted by one of their top three colleges
Our Financial Aid Process for Summerville Families:
Step 1: FAFSA Guidance
We guide you through the FAFSA process, ensuring that it’s completed accurately and on time to maximize eligibility for federal aid, grants, and loans.
Step 2: Aid Letter Review
When financial aid offers arrive, we help you understand them, compare offers, and determine the best financial aid package for your family.
Step 3: Financial Aid Appeals
If needed, we assist in filing appeals for additional aid based on changes in family income or other circumstances.
Why Hanahan Families Choose Us for Financial Aid Counseling:
- Over 80 Years of Combined Experience in higher education and financial planning
- Expert FAFSA Assistance to maximize eligibility and ensure accurate filing
- Aid Letter Analysis & Appeals: We help you simplify and appeal financial aid offers when necessary
- Free, No-Obligation Consultation: We offer a free consultation to help Hanahan families understand their financial aid options
FAQ
College Financial Aid for Summerville Families
Navigating the world of financial aid can be complicated, but we’re here to help simplify the process. Our FAQ section answers the most common questions Summerville families have about FAFSA, financial aid letters, and how to appeal for more funding. Whether you’re just starting the process or dealing with complicated aid offers, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Key Takeaways. There is no income cap for FAFSA. Even high-income students should apply to access federal loans and some merit aid. Aid eligibility is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) and cost of attendance, not just income alone.
There is no set income limit for eligibility to qualify for financial aid through. You'll need to fill out the FAFSA every year to see what you qualify for at your college. It's important to make sure you fill out the FAFSA as quickly as possible once it opens for the following school year
Undergraduate annual borrowing ranges from $5,500 to $12,500 (less Direct Subsidized Loan eligibility) depending on year in school and dependency status.
Graduate student annual borrowing maximum is $20,500.
Teacher Preparation Students or Endorsement Students who do not choose the M.S.
The highest amount of financial aid you can get depends on a combination of factors, including your calculated financial need, your cost of attendance, and your eligibility for different programs. Federal aid limits can vary, with the maximum annual Federal Pell Grant being $7,395 for the 2025-26 award year.
How Much Aid Are Students Getting? $275.1 billion: The total amount of aid that undergraduate and graduate students received in 2024-25 from all grants, federal loans, tax credits, and federal work-study. Average aid per full-time equivalent (FTE) student in 2024-25 was: $16,810 per undergraduate student.
The financial aid office at the college or career school you will attend will determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive. Your eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), year in school, enrollment status, and the cost of attendance at the school you'll be attending.
Your eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), your year in school, your enrollment status, and the cost of attendance at the school you will be attending. This is how they do it: The financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA) at that school.
Your eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), your year in school, your enrollment status, and the cost of attendance at the school you will be attending.
Certain factors can impact financial aid eligibility, such as citizenship status, education history, and demonstrated need.
You can be disqualified from financial aid for not filling out the FAFSA, lacking a high school diploma/GED, drug convictions, defaulting on student loans, not making satisfactory academic progress, not being a citizen, or failing to register for Selective Service (for males 18-25).
Secure Your College Future Now!
Don’t let the cost of college hold your student back. Our expert advisors guide families through FAFSA applications, scholarship opportunities, and student financial aid planning to maximize funding and minimize stress.
Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation now and take the first step toward unlocking scholarships, comparing financial aid award letters, and building a smart college budget.