Helping Families Understand How College Pricing Really Works
Most Families Overpay for College
Because They Don’t Understand How Pricing Works
We help families strategically position their student academically and financially so colleges compete to offer scholarships and financial aid.
On average our families uncover $15,000+ per year
in additional financial aid and merit scholarships.
Most Families Are Never Taught How College Pricing Works
When preparing for college, families are typically told to focus on three things:
• Grades
• Test scores
• Applications
But very few families are taught how the pricing system behind college actually works.
Without understanding that system, families often make decisions that lead to significantly higher college costs than necessary.
A smarter approach to college planning
The College Pricing Triangle
The price a family ultimately pays for college is influenced by three key factors.
Academic Positioning
How a student compares academically to the admitted student pool at a particular university.
Financial Positioning
How a family's financial profile appears within federal and institutional financial aid formulas.
College Strategy
Choosing schools where academic positioning and financial positioning create opportunities for grants, scholarships, and institutional aid.
When these three elements align, families often see dramatically different college pricing outcomes.
Adam & Brian Toohey
Adam and Brian Toohey are brothers and Pacific Northwest natives. Growing up in the region they understand how important it is for local parents to help their children pursue great opportunities without creating unnecessary financial strain.
In 2017, they launched N.W. College Solutions to help families better understand how college pricing works and how to make smarter decisions around admissions, financial aid, and college selection.
Since then, they have helped hundreds of families navigate the college planning process with clarity and confidence.
Our Process
Step 1
Start with our College Planning Workshop
Families begin by attending our online College Planning Workshop where we explain how college pricing works and introduce the College Pricing Triangle.
The workshop helps parents understand the academic, financial, and college selection factors that influence what families ultimately pay for college.
Step 2
College Discovery Session
After the workshop, families may schedule a one-on-one Discovery Session.
During this meeting we review a student's academic positioning and estimate the family's Student Aid Index (SAI) to begin identifying potential opportunities.
Step 3
Financial Aid Analysis
Families who choose to move forward can request a full Financial Aid Analysis.
This detailed analysis calculates expected aid eligibility and explores potential strategies that may improve financial positioning.
Step 4
College Strategy Development
With academic and financial positioning clearly understood, we help families build a college list and strategy designed to maximize both admissions opportunities and college affordability.
Why Families Work With Us
Guidance Families Trust Throughout the College Planning Process
Introduction
College planning involves academic decisions, financial strategy, and major family investments. Our role is to help families navigate this process with clarity and informed decision-making.
Independent Guidance
Northwest College Solutions provides independent college planning guidance focused on helping families understand how admissions and pricing systems work.
Financial Aid Strategy
We help families interpret financial aid formulas, estimate their Student Aid Index (SAI), and explore strategies that may influence financial aid outcomes.
Strategic College Selection
College selection is not only about where a student can get admitted — it is also about identifying schools where academic positioning and financial positioning may create opportunities.
Structured Planning Process
Families work through a clear process that includes education, analysis, and strategy development so decisions can be made with confidence.
Proud Partners with
Contact us
Adam & Brian Toohey
Seattle, Washington
Lake Oswego, Oregon