HEFAR's Free College Planning Services Uncover Hidden Funding for College-Bound Students

San Diego non-profit streamlines college financial aid process

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Aug 22, 2013, 01:43 ET

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent College Board report revealed the moderate college budget for an in-state public college for the 2012–2013 academic year averaged $22,261, while the average budget for a private college was nearly double that at $43,289.*

Now, San Diego-based non-profit the HEFAR Group (Higher Education Financial Aid Resources) is offering services to assist families and students in planning for the high cost of college. But unlike commercial for-profit advising services that charge hefty fees, the HEFAR Group's services are free.

The HEFAR Group is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that helps families and individuals plan financially for college. Many students are unaware of the valuable resources available to help fund their education. HEFAR helps to both lower out-of-pocket costs and increase eligibility for financial aid by helping students qualify for grants, scholarships, endowments and other aid that is available. The HEFAR Group also creates a plan to cover other costs families incur during the process.

"Our college planning experts help families to better handle the skyrocketing cost of college," said Christopher Ordway, one of HEFAR's college funding advisors. "We help families lower their EFC – or Expected Family Contribution - which can double or even triple a student's eligibility for financial aid. The process for qualifying for grants and financial aid can be overwhelming. The HEFAR Group streamlines the process."

Ordway added that while families may assume that schools like Stanford or USC are not affordable, the truth is often just the opposite.

"Many of the more expensive private schools have enormous endowments to work with," Ordway said. "Our expertise is finding these funds that families would probably never know about if they are working on their own."

HEFAR also helps families earn additional college aid through tax credits, negotiating favorable financial aid packages, and analyzing the multitude of school and financial aid offerings.

*https://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_payarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10064

The HEFAR Group is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that aids families and individuals in planning financially for college. HEFAR has two locations: 5465 Morehouse Dr. #160, San Diego, Calif., 92121, and at 740 N. 52^nd St. #100, Phoenix, Ariz. 85008. In San Diego, call (619) 436-5350; in Phoenix call (602) 396-7840. Visit the HEFAR Group at www.hefar.org.

SOURCE HEFAR Group