Financial Aid Counseling

Your Path to Smart College Funding Starts Here

College Financial Aid Counseling at The David Academy

The David Academy exists to help prepare students to make the transition from high school to college. Families come to The David Academy for individualized solutions that deliver real results, ranging from ACT/SAT Test Prep Coaching to consulting services for the Admissions Process to assistance with the Financial Aid Process. With over 20 years of experience, we use a proven method, The David Academy Method… that breaks the classroom model in favor of a proven one-on-one style of coaching that delivers results. Students from around the U.S. can enroll at The David Academy thanks to our convenient and effective all-virtual model.

Crafting a Clear College Funding Strategy for Your Family's Success

At The David Academy, we believe every student deserves the chance to go to college without the burden of overwhelming debt. The David Academy Financial Aid Counseling Service provides personalized guidance to families from 10th through 12th grade, helping them understand and navigate the financial realities of college planning.

In today’s challenging economy, we understand that confidently navigating college costs and the complex financial aid process have never been more critical. Our Financial Aid Counseling Service is designed to help students and parents confidently plan for college, even in the face of recent changes to federal student loan programs. From preparing for FAFSA and CSS profiles to finding scholarships to pay for college, we walk with your family every step of the way.

With new federal loan caps, interest accrual changes, and the phasing out of several flexible repayment plans, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead. Families who start early are often able to reduce their financial burden, increase access to aid, and make better-informed decisions.

The Federal Student Loan Landscape Is Changing—Here's What Families Need to Know

In 2025, sweeping reforms have significantly reshaped the federal loan landscape with new limits and repayment options. These changes carry specific challenges for both students and parents:

New Borrowing Caps

Parent PLUS loans will soon be capped at $20,000 per year and a lifetime maximum of $65,000 per child—far below the full cost of college at many institutions (Kiplinger, Urban Institute). Graduate and professional student borrowing limits also shrink dramatically, with, for example, law and medical programs capped at $50,000 per year and $200,000 total (American Bar Association).

Repayment Plan Restructuring

Formerly flexible income-driven plans such as SAVE, PAYE, and IBR are being replaced by just two options—a standard repayment plan and a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) tied to gross income rather than discretionary income (MarketWatch).

Resumption of Interest and Loan Collections

Borrowers previously benefiting from halted interest under the SAVE Plan will be charged interest again as of August 1, 2025—translating to potentially $300+ per month in additional costs (U.S. Department of Education). Federal wage garnishment and loan collections are restarting, raising concerns for households already operating on tight budgets (The Sun).

Together, these policy shifts mean many families face greater upfront expenses, reduced financial flexibility, and fewer protections—especially during hardship. Parents can no longer rely on Parent PLUS to fully finance college, and students on income-driven plans may see higher monthly bills and slower paths to forgiveness.

Smart Strategies for Financing College Without the Stress

The David Academy’s approach to Financial Aid Counseling is holistic and structured to support families throughout high school. We offer dedicated guidance tailored to each student’s stage in the process.

Financial aid can be overwhelming. Between FAFSA forms, tax implications, and scholarship applications, families often don’t know where to begin. Our experienced counselor walks alongside you, offering compassionate support and clear direction to ensure you make informed choices that align with both your goals and your financial circumstances.

Empowering Families to Make Informed College Financial Decisions at Every Stage of the Process

For Sophomores

Early College Awareness
We help students begin researching schools and identifying potential areas of interest to inform academic planning and career exploration.
Family Financial Snapshot
This is a great time to gather preliminary tax documents, estimate household income trends, and start conversations about college affordability.
Savings Strategy Review
We assist families in evaluating current savings plans (like 529 accounts) and adjusting based on projected costs and new loan limitations.
Scholarship Mindset
While many scholarships aren’t available until junior or senior year, we guide students in beginning community service, extracurriculars, and academic achievements that build strong future applications.
Intro to Net Price Calculators
We introduce families to the concept of net price vs. sticker price, helping you understand how aid is determined and what colleges may expect families to pay.

For Juniors

Financial Aid Overview
We review the college and financial aid application timelines and steps.
Proactive Aid Forecasting
Using net price calculators and modeled loan limits, families gain realistic expectations of what FAFSA, CSS Profile, and capped PLUS loan options will cover.
Scholarship Strategy
Students begin finding scholarships to pay for college early—an essential buffer against funding gaps created by reduced Parent PLUS and graduate borrowing limits.
Family Financial Coaching
We examine how tax strategies, saving patterns, and income timing affect both eligibility and aid forecasts.

For Seniors

Form Assistance
Support with accurate FAFSA and CSS submission, emphasizing timely completion given recent application glitches and delays
Award Analysis
Interpreting offers in light of new loan constraints, highlighting discrepancies in aid estimates, and real out of pocket burden.
Appeal Guidance
Advising on appeals if initial awards fall short due to misestimated need or special circumstances.
Alternatives Planning
Exploring gap funding through scholarships, income-share agreements, payment plans, or carefully chosen private loans.
Intensive Scholarship Search
The emphasis on finding scholarships to pay for college becomes critical when Parent PLUS and loan caps may no longer meet full costs.
Homework That Pays Off
Success requires preparation. That’s why we assign small but important tasks throughout the year—such as gathering tax documents, completing net price calculators, and scheduling visits to guidance counselors or college campuses. These assignments empower students and families to be informed participants in the process.

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Your College Journey, Being Financially Informed

At The David Academy, we know that college is both an academic and financial milestone. Our Financial Aid Counseling is not just about paperwork—it’s about peace of mind. We’re here to help you reduce stress, increase options, and put your student on the path to a bright, affordable, academic future.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Student’s College Funding?

Let’s have a conversation to help your family navigate these new challenges with clarity and confidence. Together, we’ll explore your options, anticipate future expenses, and begin finding scholarships that could help pay for your student’s college experience.

The David Academy