---
title: Four Strategies for a Smarter College Search
description: Four Strategies for a Smarter College Search
---

[Financial Planning & Wealth Management Blog ](https://www.gilbertcook.com/insights/blog)

# [Four Strategies for a Smarter College Search](https://www.gilbertcook.com/insights/blog/timely-topics-1/2025/10/23/four-strategies-for-a-smarter-college-search)

 Written by [Cara Shindler](https://www.gilbertcook.com/insights/blog/author/cshindlergilbertcook-com) | October 2025

# **Four Strategies for a Smarter College Search**

## ***Presented by Gilbert & Cook in partnership with Cozy Wittman, College Inside Track***

With college costs continuing to rise and the admissions process more competitive than ever, Gilbert & Cook recently hosted an educational event featuring **Cozy Wittman**, National Education & Partnership Manager for **College Inside Track**. Cozy has spent nearly 20 years helping families navigate the college search and application process to find schools that are the best *academic, social, and financial fit*.

This interactive session offered clear, practical guidance for parents and students looking to make informed decisions—and potentially save thousands of dollars in the process.

## **1. Understand the True Cost of College**

Over the past 30 years, tuition at flagship universities has skyrocketed. For example:

- **University of Minnesota up 570%**
- **University of Iowa up 460%**
- **University of Wisconsin up over 1,000%**

Wittman cautioned that *flagship* *public* universities—especially out-of-state—can often cost as much or more than *private* institutions. Families should look beyond sticker prices and explore schools offering significant *institutional merit aid*, which can make private universities surprisingly affordable.

## **2. Focus on Fit to Avoid Costly Transfers**

A staggering **38% of students transfer colleges at least once**, often due to poor academic, social, or financial fit. Each transfer can add an average of **$14,000–$24,000** to total college costs.

Choosing the right-fit school on the first try—considering learning style, campus culture, and available support—can make a major financial difference.

## **3. Decode Financial Aid and the FAFSA**

Wittman clarified key updates to the financial aid process:

- The **FAFSA** (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and **CSS Profile** are the two main forms used to determine *need-based aid*.
- The new **Student Aid Index (SAI)** has replaced the “Expected Family Contribution.”
- Having multiple children in college no longer increases eligibility for aid.
- Parent assets are assessed at **5.64%**, while student assets are assessed at **20%**—a crucial distinction when planning savings.
- Qualified retirement accounts, primary residences, and grandparent-owned 529 plans are *excluded* from FAFSA calculations

These nuances make proactive planning essential to maximize aid eligibility.

## **4. Scholarships and Admissions Strategy**

**Today, *colleges themselves* are the largest source of scholarship funding—not private organizations or online searches.**

To become a competitive applicant for institutional merit aid, Wittman emphasized:

- Maintaining strong **GPA and test scores** (standardized testing still matters for both admission and scholarships).
- Building quality, meaningful extracurricular involvement—not just long activity lists.
- Demonstrating genuine interest through campus engagement, essays, and thoughtful applications.
- Understanding **Early Decision (ED)**: it’s *binding* and best reserved for families confident they can afford full tuition without comparing aid offers.

## **A Match to Be Made, Not a Prize to Be Won**

Wittman encouraged families to redefine what “success” means in the college process.

> *“College isn’t a prize to be won—it’s a match to be made,” she shared.*

Students should prioritize the environment where they’ll thrive academically and personally, not simply chase the biggest brand name. With over **80% of students changing majors** at least once, flexibility and support matter just as much as prestige.

## **Getting Started**

College Inside Track offers complimentary family consultations to help assess college affordability, understand financial aid forecasts, and build a personalized search strategy. Families can learn more or schedule a consultation at [CollegeInsideTrack.com](https://collegeinsidetrack.com).

For those interested in continuing the conversation about college planning and how it fits within your broader financial strategy, **the advisors at Gilbert & Cook** are here to help you align your families education goals with your overall financial plan—so you can live your *Life of Abundance* for generations to come.

[View full post](https://www.gilbertcook.com/insights/blog/timely-topics-1/2025/10/23/four-strategies-for-a-smarter-college-search)

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