U.S. College Planning Program

Determining the most cost-effective, tax-efficient way to fund a college education is not always easy. Many parents would prefer not to think about it at all – hoping that things will somehow work out. Due to the “cross-your-fingers” approach, many families face limited choices for college. In order for families to best prepare for this future event, it is important to understand college pricing, the admissions process, financial-aid and how to best navigate the entire complex college-funding system. The Heartland Institute employs a variety of strategies to help position families and students to receive optimal placement and funding.

What We Provide

The HIFE College Planning Program (CPP) provides families with college planning solutions. By enrolling in the HIFE College Planning Program, you will receive assistance with:

  • Student Personal Interests Assessment
  • Student Skills Assessment
  • Student Work Values Assessment
  • College Selection
  • College Application and Admission
  • Student Monthly Recommendation
  • Essay Review
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Verification
  • Financial Aid Comparisons
  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Review
  • Verification Of Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile
  • Student Loans, Grants & Scholarship Guidance
  • College Planning Checklist
  • Scholarship Assistance
  • Appeals Process Guidance
  • Student e-Portfolio
  • Student Career Analysis
  • Career Research & Comparison
  • Resume Guidance & Review
  • Internship Guidance

CPP Coaches

Our Coaches work directly with students and parents to establish an action-plan for college selection and funding.  We help the student develop a personal “resume” that will aid them in competing for valuable student loans, awards, grants and other forms of assistance that can help offset their college education costs.

Our Coaches average over 20 years of experience in the College Planning arena including teaching and admissions. Each coach will guide you from the admissions, to the financial aid, to the college selection, to the award acceptance & appeals process all the way until you get into college.  HIFE CPP Coaches work with students from their freshmen year in high school all the way through their senior year.  We have developed a Coaching program that helps students step-by-step in planning for college.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Minimum Requirements for a student to enroll into the CPP?

  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Must seek to attend an accredited institution
  • Must be willing to complete the assigned homework provided by the HIFE Coach

 

Do coaches review the FAFSA for the family?

The coach can.  Complete it, save it but don’t submit, and send it to the coach.  Also, the family can print a blank copy, complete it, and send it to the coach before submitting anything online.  It is a good idea to have them review it! 

Will the coach help with other specifics from the college?

Yes, but the family needs to ask for help from the coach if they receive something from the university, etc.  The college will not communicate directly with the coach.  It is the family’s responsibility to communicate everything to the coach pertaining to the student’s education.

Does the coach communicate with the parents?

Yes, the parents are copied on all communication to and from the coach.

How many scholarships does a coach get for the student, and how much work does this involve?

The coach may have a list of 5 to 10 scholarships at a time depending on the time of year and what grade the student is in.  The student will just need to be cautious of deadlines.  Making a schedule may be suggested since the student may need to dedicate 2 to 3 hours a week-some weeks.  It won’t interfere with their school work.  If it becomes an issue, communicate with the coach.  Communication is key. 

If the student is a freshman in high school, how does the coach help him/her?

The coach can make recommendations on time-management but know that the coach will not tutor the student during high school. Coaches recommend but don’t do homework for the student or write essays, etc. The coach also helps student select the correct courses and assess the student’s interests and skills with the Heartland’s assessment software, amongst many other things.

Getting Started

Making the decision to enroll your student into the HIFE College Planning Program is the first step to a beneficial college experience and more importantly a successful career. Here are the steps to getting enrolled:

  • Contact the Heartland Institute here to have any specific questions answered and to start the enrollment process.
  • Upon enrollment, you will be contacted by your Personal Coach who will:
  1. Welcome you as his/her personal client.
  2. Go over the important steps required to “Do College Right”.
  3. Ensure all activities begin in a timely manner.
  4. Work on your behalf with an on-staff Research Analyst.
  5. Promptly answer all questions related to college planning/funding.
  6. Provide you with essential tools to help you succeed.
  7. Assist you in the fulfillment of your aspirations to achieve your educational goals in a cost-effective manner.
  • For the program to be truly successful, the student and parent(s) need to complete the tasks given by the coach and communicate as much as possible.

Scholars Newsletter

The Heartland Institute publishes a monthly newsletter that is full of valuable and insightful information on relevant College topics. You can download these monthly articles below:

If you would like to learn more about the Heartland Institute’s College Planning Program, please call 303-597-0197 or email info@hife-usa.org or simply complete the form below:  

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U.S. College Planning Program

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The Heartland Institute of Financial Education’s College Planning Program (HIFE CPP) is a college planning, coaching and funding program, the purpose of which is to help students and parents successfully navigate the complex college planning, selection and financial aid process.

It is the goal of the Heartland Institute to help young Americans obtain a college education.  We help families offset the high cost of college by utilizing proven strategies to help reduce a family’s “out-of-pocket” costs…

Based on a family’s specific financial situation, we help determine strategies that may reduce the family’s “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC), thereby qualifying the student for “Need-Based” monies from both federal and state resources, as well as the college’s own resources and private resources.

We provide detailed analysis and strategies that help “mitigate” the high cost of college.  Each client/family is assigned a “Coach” who works directly with the student and parents, assisting them with the college planning, funding and admissions process.

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