Think covering college costs with scholarships is impossible?

Regret waiting until senior year to think about paying for college?

Nia Grant is here to help you stop panicking about how to cover college costs, and, instead, start helping your teen find and apply for scholarships like it’s their full-time job. Nia was a senior in high school when she realized college tuition was her responsibility, so she buckled down, made mind maps, found local, regional, corporate, and private scholarship opportunities, spent all her spare time applying for them, and was awarded one million dollars in scholarship money.

Creating College Opportunities: How to Find and Win Scholarships

(00:07:52) "Look in your own closet. Look in your own house. Like, who are the brands that you support? Like a Coca Cola or Chick Fil A. Like, look them up. Because a lot of the ones that you patronize offer scholarships to help you out as well." - Nia Grant

Nia’s scholarship awards covered her college costs, living expenses, books, and much more, ensuring she graduated debt-free and well on her feet with a $100,000 net worth at age 21. During college, Nia launched her own small business, Nia Knows Finance, where she began helping other students (Gen Z) to make, manage, and multiply their money.

From Chemistry Major to College Cash Coach: Nia Grant’s Million Dollar Scholarship Story

(00:06:09) Generational College Expectations

(00:07:36) Exploring Scholarship Opportunities

(00:11:14) Finding Scholarships via social media

(00:14:27) Scholarship Criteria Beyond Grades

(00:16:59) Strategic Scholarship Application Tips

(00:21:01) Maximizing College: Beyond Classes

(00:24:41) Scholarship Application Motivational Strategies

Mastering the Scholarship Numbers Game for College Affordability

• It’s a Numbers Game: Nia applied for between 80–100 scholarships her senior year of high school—and won about 20. Persistence pays off: the more you apply, the better your odds, and sometimes that very next application could be the one.

• Think Beyond Grades: Not all scholarships are about perfect GPAs. Many awards focus on character, background, community involvement, or even creative prompts—so don’t count yourself out if your grades aren’t flawless.

• Leverage Your Network: Start your search with brands you already know and support, local organizations, your school’s financial aid office, and even your parents’ employers. And—pro tip—start EARLY and stay organized to avoid missing deadlines (like the $20k Nia missed for not submitting a headshot in time!).

Follow Nia Grant:

Website: https://niaknowsfinance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niaknowsfinance/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@niaknowsfinance

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niaknowsfinance

Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/

*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello!

Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com

The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.

Choosing where your kid will attend to college and deciding how to pay for it are two HUGE, potentially life-changing decisions, both for the child and the parents - particularly those from lower-income or first-generation backgrounds, making admissions and financial guidance in this area essential. You shouldn’t have to choose between funding college and having a secure retirement.

Don’t DIY the process simply because you don’t know where to turn for help or are afraid of how much that help may cost! This episode highlights several associations and resources to help ensure you find the right professional for your situation.

Just as not all school counselors or administrators are created equal, neither are financial planners or advisors. When facing cookie-cutter advice about affording college, that should be a red flag for you to pursue guidance from someone closer to your particular issue, situation, school of choice, or financial options.

Navigating College Admissions and Funding: Why Expert Guidance Matters

(00:01:41) Free FAFSA Filing Support Requirements

(00:06:30) Independent Educational Consultants’ Role

(00:11:13) The Limitations of Financial Aid Administrators at Colleges

(00:15:43) Certified College Funding Specialists in Finance

(00:22:20) Strategic College List Building by Financial Experts

(00:24:58) Navigating Student Loan Repayment and Forgiveness

Saving Your Future: Expert Strategies for College Funding and Selection

• Financial aid administrators can explain financial aid rules but cannot provide advice on admissions or other areas beyond their scope.

• Your typical financial advisor may not fully understand financial aid and college planning, providing generic advice like saving in 529 plans.

• Someone helping you with this process should understand student loan repayment options and the intersection of admissions and aid.

• Specialized designations like Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS) are recommended for in-depth knowledge in college planning.

A great episode of the New Money New Problems podcast by fellow Financial Advisor, Brenton Harrison, that explains the value (savings) in paying for guidance with your money: When Paying a Financial Advisor $6,000 is a Bargain

Resources to Help Families with the College Admissions Process:

IECA - Independent Educational Consultants Association - https://www.iecaonline.com/

HECA - Higher Education Consultants Association - https://www.hecalive.org/

NACAC - National Association for College Admission Counseling - https://www.nacacnet.org/student/

ACCFS - Accredited Certified College Funding Specialists™ - https://www.hireaccfs.com/

NICCP – National Institute of Certified College Planners - https://account.niccp.com/find-a-ccps/

Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/

*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello!

Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com

The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.