Welcome to Financial Aid Consulting

Yes, You Can Afford College.

RELAX — you’ve found a unique, info-packed site to guide you on the best paths to college affordability and value. Remember, the FAFSA is just one step in the process, not the starting point.

Inflation and legislative changes have heavily impacted college costs and overall affordability. That is why it is prudent to hire an accomplished financial aid consultant to minimize risk and net price, while offering effective planning and support.

Who Benefits Most from Working with Me

  • Parents of middle and high school students

  • Families seeking both need and merit-based financial aid

  • Those who cannot afford the retail price of college

  • Grandparents who want to help without impacting financial aid

  • Families seeking affordable consulting support for long-term savings

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY

  • Conduct a detailed intake and analysis of your family’s financial profile

  • Learn about the student’s academics, career interests, and college goals

  • Help families understand affordability and realistic options

  • Develop strategies to maximize both need-based and merit-based financial aid

  • Prepare and analyze all financial aid forms for accuracy and optimization

The Road I Will Take to Get You There

  • Plan strategic campus visits to support informed decision-making

  • Analyze financial aid awards and identify the strongest options

  • Prepare and submit effective financial aid appeals when appropriate

  • Recommend the most affordable and financially sound college choice

  • Guide implementation so families move forward with confidence

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Reducing Anxiety

  • Overcoming the fear of the unknown

  • Improving family communications

  • Clarifying financial responsibilities

  • Exploring alternatives

Financial Aid Forms

  • Preparation

  • Review completed forms

  • Analysis

  • Tax analysis

  • Review output reports

  • How to maximize financial aid

  • Student Aid Index review  

  • “What If” Scenarios

  • Scheduling and follow-up

Writing Powerful Appeal Letters

  • Defining what is needed

  • Effectively presenting your case.

  • Preparing for professional judgment   

Financial Aid Award Analysis

  • Understanding what it means

  • Crunching the numbers

  • Evaluating the available options

  • Strategizing how to get more.

College Planning

  • Helping students establish criteria for researching colleges.

  • Preparing for campus visits

  • Spreadsheet analytics

  • Scholarship Searching

  • Exploring 4-year college alternatives

Staying Organized and In Control

  • Timetables

  • Spreadsheet analysis

  • Progressive review and follow up

  • Scholarship searches

  • Exploring scholarship opportunities

  • Brainstorming qualifications and skills

  • Identifying the best scholarship choices

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY

🛑 Warning

Reading this book may result in saving thousands on college costs. Purchase your copy today!

“At last…a book that encourages students to dream big as they envision their future careers! Mr. Freedman lays out a path on his “yellow brick road” in an easy-to-follow and humorous guide on how to achieve success in pursuit of a beneficial college experience. Topics include: self-assessment, college program evaluation, financing, scholarships, and more. I highly recommend this book to all students and families looking to make college happen.”
Jeannine Washburn Brayman, Headmaster (Ret) CAS Harvard Graduate School of Education; Member, Harvard Principals Center

“This up-to-date masterpiece simplifies the complexities of making college happen. A must-read for students, parents, grandparents, and professionals, it provides clear guidance, case studies, and essential insights on attitude, communication, financing, loans, and career readiness. Packed with valuable lessons to avoid costly mistakes, this book is a small investment with a high return.”
Mark Pizzi, Abington

Let’s De-Stress with a Little Humor —

Let’s De-Stress with a Little Humor —

What my Clients and Colleagues are Saying

  • “As a retired Boston Police Officer, I worried that college for my son would be very expensive and leave him with many student loans after graduation. Howard seized every opportunity to save us money and coached us through the complexities of applying for and maximizing our financial aid package. We are forever grateful for his help.”

    Audrey Fleming

  • “I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the work you have done on behalf of my daughter. It is difficult for any child to go to college, let alone a child with a disability, and finding the financing can be even more frustrating. You have made it possible for her to become a 2nd-year in the Pathways program. This program will enable her to overcome the stereotypes that often come with any disability. Because of your efforts, you have given my daughter another opportunity to become a productive member of society. We will always be in your debt.”

    Suzanne M.

  • “We were extremely naive going into the process and now are much more prepared and comfortable with the logistics and details. Freedman breaks it all down succinctly and clearly. As a result, we were able to take advantage of both income-based aid and programs in the merit-based aid world, which are not entirely dependent on grades, such as geographic diversity grants.”

    Mike Mannis, Attorney

  • “We appreciated Howard’s expertise and communicative style when assisting us with completing our daughter’s FAFSA and CSS Profile. He provided excellent service in a non-judgmental manner, and we would not hesitate to recommend Howard to other families who would benefit from someone who knows the ins and outs of financial aid forms.”

    Mary Brown-Jones, Guidance Counsellor

  • “Planning for your kid’s college education can be really stressful for most parents. Thank goodness we found Howard through a referral. Not only does he understand the college application and financial aid process, but he also shares decades of industry knowledge which answers so many questions. He’s so invested in helping his clients and truly a hidden gem.“

    Randy and Jim

  • “Howard is an extremely Intelligent, Altruistic, Organized, Comical, Goal setting inspired Man. Among his many Talents he is loyal and committed to his Mindset in helping anyone achieve success in their Educational Journey. As an author many articles and Books he is a man of Humbleness and Humility.”

    Philip G. Gomes

  • “Howard was a huge help with my 3 children’s FASA applications.  He’s knowledgeable, thorough and very accommodating which made the process stress free. I highly recommend him for financial aid support”

    Nancy S.

  • “My oldest daughter was about to start college and I needed some financial advice and assistance. Howard took the time and guided us through the entire process. Over the past 16 years he has also helped my family and my 4 younger children attend college. His guidance and understanding of the ever changing system is immeasurable! Not often in life you meet someone who is genuinely interested in helping others.”

    John McGrath



  • “Howard has done it all! As an educator, I applaud his contribution to the field of education. I cannot thank Mr. Freedman enough for making the task of readying kids for college and keeping them current much easier.”  

    Dr. Robert Burrelli

  • “Howard’s affable demeanor as ACCESS Program Manager and adviser for the students and parents from various backgrounds  often confused by the financial aid process enhanced his effectiveness on what they needed to accomplish.”

    Maureen O’Donnell, Guidance Counselor, Boston Community Leadership Academy, Boston Public Schools

  • ”Howard has assisted and guided us with the education of 3 children. He has navigated us through the many changes and challenges of the FASFA, helping to narrow down the correct choices. Not sure we could have managed without him.”

    David Mullen

  • “I recently contacted Howard Freedman for financial assistance when applying to a community college. He was efficient, quick, and completed my financial information immediately.  He saved me hours of work, paid attention to detail & his problem-solving skills were very professional.   He was patient, helpful, and during some of the very frustrating parts of the application process, I would highly recommend Howard if you need help completing financial forms for yourself or your children when applying for college”

     Debby B.

  • ”Howard helped me when I was a college student and I didn’t know what I needed. He was supportive, kind, and extremely helpful. He helped me navigate my FAFSA and my taxes and he put a smile on my face when I was stressed out.  Thanks Howard! Your help is forever cherished!”

    Cassie G.

  • “Howard was very knowledgeable and supportive in guiding me through the FAFSA process for my children over the years.  He explained everything clearly and made the process stress-free. I highly recommend his services.”

    Mark P.