One of the most pressing concerns parents share when planning for college is simple: “How are we going to pay for this?”
With the average cost of a four-year degree reaching into six figures, finding financial support isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Grants and scholarships are the best form of aid because they don’t need to be repaid. Yet, many families aren’t sure how to find them, qualify for them, or apply successfully.
That’s where College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) steps in.
Our college planning process doesn’t just focus on helping your student get accepted—we’re equally focused on helping your family afford the college experience.
Here’s how we support families in securing grants and scholarships that make higher education more accessible.
The financial aid landscape is confusing—and expensive
Paying for college today often feels like navigating a minefield of forms, deadlines, and misinformation. And the stakes are high.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average total cost of attendance for full-time undergraduates in 2020–21 was $25,910 at public institutions and $54,840 at private institutions. These numbers have only increased since.
Understanding the different types of aid is key:
Grants
Grants are typically need-based forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They are offered by the federal government, state education agencies, or individual colleges and universities. These awards are usually based on your family’s financial situation as determined by information provided on the FAFSA or CSS Profile.
Scholarships
Scholarships are often merit-based and reward students for academic achievement, leadership, artistic talent, athletic ability, or other unique qualities. They are awarded by colleges, private organizations, corporations, and foundations. Unlike grants, scholarships may require essays, recommendations, or interviews as part of the application process.
Loans
Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. They can come from the federal government or private lenders. While federal loans typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options, accumulating too much debt can become a burden after graduation. Understanding loan terms is essential before borrowing.
Work-study
Work-study programs provide part-time employment to students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help cover educational expenses. These jobs are typically on campus and offer flexible hours to accommodate class schedules. Work-study is a great option for students who want to offset some costs without taking out loans.
Many families mistakenly believe they make too much to qualify for aid or assume scholarships are only for star athletes or top students. In reality, there are thousands of aid opportunities based on a wide range of criteria.
How CBRG helps families uncover real opportunities
At CBRG, we integrate financial aid planning into every stage of the college admissions process. Our specialists:
Assist with the FAFSA and CSS Profile to ensure accurate, on-time submissions
Filing financial aid forms correctly and on time is one of the most important steps in securing aid. CBRG’s specialists guide families through the completion of the FAFSA and CSS Profile, ensuring no details are missed. Our process helps prevent errors that could delay or reduce your aid award, and we track deadlines for each school so you don’t have to.
Identify school-based financial aid policies and institutional grants
Not all financial aid comes from the federal government. Many colleges offer generous institutional grants—but their policies vary. CBRG helps families understand how each school approaches financial aid, from need-based formulas to merit-based incentives. This insight allows us to target schools where your student is more likely to receive substantial support.
Help build a college list with affordability as a major factor
We believe college fit includes financial fit. That’s why CBRG works closely with families to build a college list that reflects both the student’s goals and the family’s financial boundaries. We analyze net price calculators, historical aid trends, and scholarship potential to create a strategy that minimizes debt and maximizes opportunity.
We also show families how to organize a financial aid calendar that tracks every deadline, maximizing opportunities for early consideration and award priority.
Importantly, we don’t just hand you a list—we guide you through:
Eligibility assessments
Before applying for grants or scholarships, it’s important to understand which programs your family is likely to qualify for. CBRG performs thorough eligibility assessments by reviewing your financial profile, academic achievements, and unique student characteristics. This targeted approach increases your chances of securing the most relevant aid.
Gathering necessary documents
Applying for financial aid requires documentation—often more than families expect. From tax returns and W-2s to bank statements and asset disclosures, we help gather and organize every required document. This ensures you’re ready for each form and deadline without last-minute scrambles.
Completing forms without common errors
Even small mistakes on financial aid forms can delay processing or result in lost aid. Our specialists review every submission for accuracy and completeness, identifying and correcting potential errors before they become problems. This extra level of review helps families avoid costly missteps and maximize eligibility.
This personalized process ensures families don’t leave money on the table.
Check out 7 Tips for Maximizing College Grants and Scholarships to explore strategies we often recommend.
Where to find scholarships that actually apply to your child
The internet is filled with scholarship databases—but sifting through thousands of listings is time-consuming and overwhelming.
CBRG narrows the field by helping students identify:
- Scholarships that match their academic profile
- Awards related to extracurricular involvement or leadership roles
- Niche opportunities based on demographics, field of study, or geography
We also differentiate between private scholarships and institutional aid:
- Private scholarships come from foundations, companies, and nonprofits.
- Institutional scholarships are awarded directly by colleges and often require separate applications or interviews.
Many families waste time applying to large, national awards with intense competition. Our strategy prioritizes realistic, attainable awards where the odds are better.
We also teach families how to avoid scams or platforms that sell your information, ensuring every effort goes toward legitimate opportunities.
Application support that makes a difference
Finding scholarships is only half the battle. Winning them requires a compelling application—and that’s where our support makes a big difference.
CBRG helps students:
Write strong, authentic scholarship essays
Scholarship committees often look for more than just grades—they want to understand who the student is and what drives them. CBRG helps students craft compelling, personal essays that stand out. We offer feedback on structure, tone, clarity, and content to ensure that each essay aligns with the scholarship’s goals and showcases the student’s unique story.
Prepare for interviews where required
Some competitive scholarships require an interview as part of the selection process. Our team provides coaching on how to present confidently, answer questions with purpose, and articulate achievements without sounding rehearsed. Practicing with a professional helps students reduce nerves and refine their delivery.
Build and refine a scholarship resume
A well-organized scholarship resume highlights a student’s accomplishments, leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement. CBRG works with students to develop polished resumes that can be adapted for various applications. This document not only strengthens scholarship submissions but also prepares students for future internships and college applications.
We also provide structure: timelines, reminders, and checkpoints that keep students from missing deadlines or burning out.
With expert coaching and feedback, students feel more confident, and families feel less overwhelmed.
The payoff: Real savings and smarter decisions
Families who work with CBRG often save thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars by accessing aid they didn’t know existed.
One client said:
“We never would have known how to ask for more money or how to file appeals. CBRG showed us how to do it right—and we ended up saving over $20,000.”
Real outcomes like these demonstrate that college planning isn’t just about where your student gets in—it’s about what it costs to go.
Financial aid and scholarships reduce your reliance on loans, improve your return on investment, and set your child up for financial success after graduation.
Cutting College Costs: CBRG’s Expert Strategies for Parents
If your family wants to explore real financial aid opportunities—without wasting time on dead ends—CBRG is here to help you navigate, apply, and succeed.