The Financial Aid Shop Information

The Financial Aid Shop, founded by Catherine Graham, a 30-year financial aid professional, offers community-based solutions to the national dilemma of limited financial aid literacy for students and families whether college-bound or heading to a technical trade school. Sadly, today’s high school student and their parents are experiencing a substantial amount of stress in the hope of academic success. The story heard from most seniors and their parents is one of extreme stress and confusion, anxiety and worry, emotionally and financially. The statistics and the stories that we read and hear every day, verify the challenges and necessity for increased financial aid education. Aspiring students and their families need a new and better financial (aid) story. While millions of dollars are spent educating students and families about financial aid, they remain surprised and overwhelmed by the process. With that in mind, our mission is two-fold: I. Develop partnerships with schools, local governments and non-profits, and businesses to provide financial aid education training programs, workshops and classroom curriculums to the communities they support. II. Educate students and families to “become their own financial aid experts” by providing an educational tool box and training resources. Our goal is to reduce stress in the college search process and and ultimately suport families in selecting a school based on “financial fit.” Tomorrow's college bound students are going to be great no matter which college they attend - why not select one that they can afford, for long term financial success.