Navigating The Changing College Funding Landscape for Advisors and their Clients

Sponsored by The NAPFA Foundation

Tuition inflation, Department of Education changes, student loan repayment changes, and new financial aid rules! Oh my! Navigating the world of higher education continues to be a challenge for clients as they attempt to help their students reach their academic and professional goals while minimizing the associated costs. Joe Messinger shares key updates to the college funding landscape for 2025, touching on the issues families commonly face when planning for education expenses. In his presentation, Joe explains the potential impacts of changes to the Department of Education, changes to financial aid calculations, financial application filing for divorced parents, and the use and limitations of 529 plans. Throughout the presentation, Joe highlights how advisors can assist clients throughout this college planning process, saving clients valuable time, frustration, and money.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the current landscape for college funding, considering increased college costs and changes to the Department of Education.
2. Evaluate how the new financial aid rules may impact client college funding opportunities.
3. Highlight key differences between the FAFSA and CSS Profile and evaluate which may be most advantageous for clients
4. List the uses and limitations of 529 plans to fund education expenses.