Clark College Consulting Blog by Ryan Clark - expert college planning tips for families

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Why This Blog?”

Hi, I’m Ryan Clark. I’ve helped thousands of families reduce college costs and get their teens into schools they love. This blog is where I share what’s working now — so you can confidently navigate the process with less stress and more savings.

🎓 Explore Our Latest College Planning Tips

Financial Matters: Using the Net Price Calculator

Ryan Clark

Published on: 09/19/2026

The sticker price on a college's website rarely reflects what a family will actually pay. We explain how to use the Net Price Calculator alongside the Cost of Attendance to turn a scary number into a real plan.

Financial mattersnet price calculatorfinancial aidcost of attendance

Wake Forest Free Tuition for NC Families | Clark College Consulting

Ryan Clark

Published on: 09/22/2025

Starting Fall 2026, Wake Forest’s NC Gateway program offers free tuition—plus living expenses for qualifying families. Compare to Duke’s initiative.

Wake Forest free tuitionWake Forest NC Gateway programWake Forest financial aidNorth Carolina private university tuitionmiddle-income college aidcollege cost of attendanceDuke vs Wake Forest financial aidhigher education access North Carolina

Staying Smart in Uncertain Times | Clark College Consulting

Ryan Clark

Published on: 09/20/2025

With sweeping federal loan changes taking effect in 2026 that will cap parent borrowing at $20,000 annually, families need to completely rethink their college funding strategies and start planning now for a dramatically different financial landscape.

FAFSACSS FormBudgetNet Price CalculatorFinancial aid

Cutting the Cost of College

Ryan Clark

Published on: 05/06/2023

As financial aid packages arrive, families are faced with just how much college will cost. At many schools, self-help is up and gift aid is down. Luckily, there are ways to cut the cost of college. Explore them here.

Financial matters: Comparing financial aid packages

Ryan Clark

Published on: 03/28/2023

If you've applied for financial aid, an award letter should arrive soon after your offer of acceptance. The bottom line in comparing financial aid packages is the final cost of your education to you and your family. Consider these points in evaluating financial aid from different colleges.

Paying for collegeFinancial Aid

Why ShShould I Invest in a College Consultant?

Ryan Clark

Published on: 03/08/2023

Why should I invest in a college consultant? Can they really help me figure out where to apply? Yes, they can, and here’s how they can streamline the process.

Paying for CollegeFinancial Aid