Chicago, IL -- (SBWire) -- 05/13/2013 --Despite daily, gloomy stories about public university budget cuts and the coming private student loan crisis, a local authority on college funding shows parents how to save tens of thousands of dollars off college costs, even if they’ve been told that they make too much money for financial aid.

“One of the most pervasive myths is that parents making six-figure incomes should not bother applying for financial aid,” says Tom Chrobak of College Planning Specialists, Inc. “Unfortunately, about 54% of eligible families never even bother applying for financial aid! And there’s a ton of aid to be had – about $245 Billion. And much of that is grants and scholarships - free money that never has to be paid back!”

Another surprise – it can be cheaper to attend an “expensive,” prestigious, private college compared to the “cheaper,” local public university. “The reason is that the private schools have more money to give by way of their endowments. We show this to parents on a daily basis,” said Mr. Chrobak.

“Given what’s happening in our universities, out of state private colleges are becoming an increasingly attractive option for parents concerned about giving their children the best education possible. The trick is to understand which colleges award the best aid packages, how to position your finances to receive the maximum amount of aid you’re eligible for and how to get into these colleges!”

College Planning Specialists, will host free workshops on these and other college planning “inside secrets” this month in the Chicagoland area:

More details and an updated workshop schedule are available at: http://www.collegeplanningil.com

Families of college-bound freshmen, sophomores and juniors should pre-register on the website or by calling 847-737-7533. Pre-registration is mandatory as the workshops are frequently overbooked.