Paying for college is stressful. Between the rising costs, confusing forms, and unfamiliar terms, families often feel overwhelmed before they even start.
FAFSA, CSS Profile, EFC—what does it all mean? And how do you know you’re doing it right?
This is where College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) comes in. We help eliminate the guesswork associated with financial aid.
Instead of trying to figure it all out on your own, CBRG guides you through every step, handles the complex parts, and helps you secure the maximum financial aid possible.
As one client shared:
“I don’t have to worry about FAFSA, EFC, or CSS because CBRG does it for me.”
Here’s how CBRG helps families turn financial aid confusion into confidence.
Turning financial aid anxiety into assurance
Most families aren’t just confused by financial aid—they’re intimidated by it.
One wrong answer on a form can feel like it might ruin your child’s chances of help.
Add in tight deadlines, income questions, and paperwork that looks like it belongs in an accountant’s office, and it’s no wonder so many parents feel lost.
CBRG turns that stress into relief. Our experienced team knows how to navigate every part of the financial aid process, so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or already halfway through, CBRG steps in, takes over the heavy lifting, and gives your family peace of mind.
Decoding the financial aid alphabet soup
If you’ve ever looked at a college aid form and thought, “What language is this in?”—you’re not alone.
Here are the key terms families need to know (and how CBRG makes sense of them):
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Used to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Most colleges require it, and submitting it accurately is essential.
- CSS Profile: Used by many private schools to award institutional aid. It’s more detailed than the FAFSA and can impact the amount of non-federal assistance your student receives.
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution): Until recently, this number was used to estimate how much a family could afford to pay. It’s being phased out.
- SAI (Student Aid Index): Beginning in 2024, the SAI can now have a negative value, indicating greater financial need. However, it has also added a new layer of confusion.
CBRG helps you understand what all these terms mean and how they impact your student’s financial aid eligibility.
The emotional toll of financial aid forms
Filing for financial aid isn’t just complicated—it’s exhausting. Many parents feel frustrated, nervous, and unsure of what they’re doing wrong (or right).
It doesn’t help that the margin for error is extremely narrow. Misreporting an asset, skipping a required section, or missing a deadline by even a day can result in thousands of dollars in lost aid.
And it’s not a quick task, either. These forms can take hours to complete correctly, and that’s before considering any corrections, follow-ups, or school-specific submissions that may arise along the way.
CBRG understands how draining this process can be, which is why we step in with both expertise and empathy, so families don’t have to carry the burden alone.
CBRG’s comprehensive financial aid services
CBRG doesn’t just offer advice—we partner with you from start to finish, ensuring your financial aid plan is complete, accurate, and tailored to your specific situation.
Here’s what we do:
- Personalized planning: We take time to understand your finances and goals, not just your income numbers.
- Full form handling: CBRG completes and submits the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and any other required forms on your behalf.
- Aid optimization: We strategize to help families qualify for the maximum amount of aid, including help with financial aid appeals if needed.
- Year-round support: Financial aid isn’t a one-time thing. CBRG is with you through all four years of college.
This one-on-one attention helps families feel supported, not alone, throughout the entire process.
Why choose CBRG over DIY or school counselors
Many families attempt to navigate financial aid on their own or rely on school counselors.
But here’s the difference CBRG makes:
- We’re experts. This is what we do all day, every day. We are up to date on the latest rules, updates, and best practices.
- We have time for you. Unlike counselors who may be helping hundreds of students, CBRG gives your family individualized support.
- We get results. With thousands of successful clients across the country, CBRG has a proven track record of helping families get more aid and avoid costly college mistakes.
Trying to do it alone might save money up front, but working with CBRG could save you much more in the long run.
FAQs about financial aid for families
Still feeling unsure about the financial aid process? You’re not alone.
Here are some of the most common questions families ask—and how CBRG helps answer them:
Ideally, during your child’s junior year. Starting early gives you more time to plan and make smart financial decisions.
Yes! We can review your submission, help correct errors, and pick up wherever you left off.
CBRG helps families request a professional judgment review, which may lead to increased aid based on new circumstances.
It depends on your school. Many private colleges require both. CBRG will check the requirements and handle everything for you.
Our team closely follows updates and adjusts its strategies to match new rules, such as the recent shift from EFC to SAI.
Empowering families through expert financial aid guidance
Paying for college doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights and endless paperwork.
With the right help, it can be a manageable—and even empowering—part of your student’s journey.
CBRG relieves pressure on families by simplifying the process, reducing errors, and helping you obtain the aid you deserve.
Instead of second-guessing your forms or scrambling to meet deadlines, you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Ready to make financial aid easier?
Reach out to College Benefits Research Group to schedule a free consultation and join one of their upcoming college planning workshops to get expert guidance, real answers, and a clear roadmap for your family’s college journey.