Ryan Clark – Trusted College Coach & the “Superhero of College Planning”
Helping families save thousands and reduce stress with expert guidance and a proven plan.
As the founder and CEO of Clark College Consulting and Clark College Funding, Ryan Clark has guided over 1,000 families nationwide through every stage of the college planning journey — from building personalized college lists to maximizing financial aid opportunities.
Ryan regularly visits college campuses, attends national conferences, and continually updates his strategies to reflect the ever-changing landscape of admissions and financial aid. His ongoing professional development ensures that your family receives the most current, strategic advice to navigate the college process with confidence.
From Family Struggle to Financial Superhero: What Inspired Ryan’s Mission
How one family’s college journey sparked a lifelong mission to help others plan smarter and pay less.
Growing up as the son of a teacher and small business owner, Ryan Clark saw firsthand the challenges families face when trying to pay for college. His parents struggled to afford college for their two boys — and that experience left a lasting impact.
Now a parent himself, Ryan began to question: Why had college become so expensive and complicated?
The strategies for getting into college had changed dramatically.
High schools were often still using outdated methods.
Colleges had become more sophisticated — making the admissions process more competitive and confusing.
Ryan also found that most college planning resources focused only on getting accepted, but ignored two critical questions:
How can families lower the cost of college?
How can they pay for college smarter and more efficiently?
Dissatisfied with the status quo, Ryan founded Clark College Consulting
in 2004 — with a mission to educate, empower, and guide families toward smarter, more affordable college planning decisions.
How I Got the Name 'Superhero of College Planning'
I didn’t give myself the nickname. One of my students did.
After we wrapped up his college planning journey — which included a full ride to his dream school — he turned to me and said:
“You're just like Superman… you know, Clark Kent — Clark College Consulting!”
I laughed — but the nickname stuck.
I may not fly or wear a cape (though my daughter says I should), but I do help families navigate confusing admissions processes, eliminate financial stress, and land in right-fit colleges — with confidence and clarity.
If that makes me a superhero to the families I serve? I’ll take it.
Lifelong Learner and Trusted College Planning Expert
As the founder and CEO of Clark College Consulting and Clark College Funding , Ryan Clark brings unmatched expertise to the families he serves.
He has personally worked with over 1,000 families across the United States, guiding them through college selection, admissions strategy, and financial aid planning.
A lifelong learner and passionate advocate, Ryan continually expands his knowledge by:
Visiting colleges and universities throughout the year
Attending national college admissions conferences
Staying current with financial aid trends and government regulations
Lifelong Learner and Trusted College Planning Expert
Educational Background:
🎓 MBA from Queens University, Charlotte, NC
⚓ Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Systems Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (ABET-accredited program)
Military Service:
🎖️ Retired Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve
🚢 Holds a U.S. Coast Guard License as a Third Assistant Engineer (Unlimited Tonnage)
Corporate Experience:
🏢 Former professional roles at SeaLand and General Electric (both Fortune 500 companies)
Professional Affiliations and Leadership Roles in College Planning
Ryan Clark is deeply involved in the professional community that shapes college planning and admissions standards. His active memberships and leadership roles demonstrate his ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.
National Institute of Certified College Planners (Certified Designation Holder)
National Association of College Advisers (NACA) — Active Member
National College Advocacy Group (NCAG) — Member and Current Board Member
Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) — Professional Member
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) — Member
North Carolina School Counselor Association (NCSCA) — Member
Best-Selling Author and Recognized College Planning Expert
Ryan Clark is a best-selling author and trusted voice in the world of college planning and financial aid strategies.
His highly acclaimed book, College Aid for Middle-Class America: How to Pay Wholesale vs. Retail, has been endorsed by Rick Darvis — a nationally renowned CPA and Founder of the National Association of College Planners.
Ryan also co-authored the Amazon best-seller, College Entrance Game Plan, a practical guide that empowers students and families to navigate the competitive admissions process with confidence and success.
His books have helped thousands of families across the country better understand how to afford college smartly — and how to plan strategically for admission.
College Aid for Middle-Class America: How to Pay Wholesale vs. Retail
Learn how to navigate the complex world of college financial aid and avoid overpaying for education.
College Entrance Game Plan
A proven step-by-step roadmap for students and families navigating the competitive college admissions process.
🧠 Ryan Clark's Experience in College Financial Planning
Ryan Clark is a nationally recognized college aid expert, consultant, speaker, author, and coach.
His insights have been featured in major media outlets, including:
📺 CBS Money Watch
📺 WCNC Charlotte
📺 WBTB Charlotte
📺 QC@3
📰 The Business Insider
🌐 MarketEDU.com
Ryan is frequently interviewed on radio, published in newspapers and magazines, and contributes to leading educational websites.
🛠 Creator of the Proven College Planning System
Ryan developed a step-by-step college planning system that produces exceptional and predictable results — helping families across all income levels pay wholesale pricing for college.
On average, families Ryan assists save $40,000 to $60,000 per child on college costs.
🌟 Local Authority Across the Carolinas
While Ryan serves families nationwide, he is particularly renowned in:
Charlotte
Raleigh
Wilmington
Asheville
Greensboro
Winston-Salem
Wilmington
Fort Mill
Lake Norman
Huntersville
Ryan regularly speaks at:
High schools
PTSA groups
Libraries
Professional organizations
He shares cutting-edge tax, financial, and academic strategies designed to help families afford college without sacrificing their current lifestyle.
🎯 Founder of Clark College Consulting
As the founder and CEO of Clark College Consulting, Ryan has empowered thousands of families to obtain a high-quality college education for far less than they imagined possible.
And he can show your family how to do the same.
🎤 Ryan Clark in Action: Speaking Engagements Across the Carolinas and Nationwide
Sign Up for a FREE Consultation With Ryan Clark
Find the Perfect College Fit — Without the Stress or Guesswork
Schedule a no-cost phone call or Zoom video conference with Ryan Clark to get expert guidance on your family's college journey.
We'll help you find the perfect Social, Academic, and Financial fit — making the college planning process easier, more affordable, and less overwhelming.
✅ Save money.
✅ Get answers.
✅ Feel confident about your next steps.
Clarity
Straightforward advice.
Integrity
Honesty and transparency.
Excellence
Top-notch services.
Contact Us
Ryan Clark, MBA, CCPS | College Admissions & Affordability Advisor
Address: 10130 Mallard Creek Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte, N.C. 28262
Tel: 704-944-3543
Email: [email protected]
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Helping Families Become the Heroes of Their College Journey.
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