GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent statistics indicate that college costs have grown nearly 40 percent in the past five years, forcing the average graduate to leave college with over $19,000 in debt. While Congress recently approved an overhaul of the nation's higher education law to help families with soaring college costs, the majority of families still won't achieve considerable cost savings because of an inability to successfully navigate the confusing funding system perpetuated by colleges and universities. Today, Professional Education Services (PES), an independent education consulting firm, announces the development of a nationwide affiliate program intended to level the playing field for families by providing them with greater insight on college-funding secrets.

PES affiliates, which include both certified public accountants and certified financial planners, will have access to PES' proprietary college-funding software. The software provides them with critical "insider" information developed from PES' exhaustive research on more than 6,500 colleges and universities across the country. This software will enable CPAs and CFPs to assist their clients in making more informed decisions based on "free money" they can expect to receive from desired schools, ultimately lowering their out-of-pocket expenses for college. Affiliates will also participate in PES-led workshops, annual trainings sessions, coaching and bi-weekly teleconferences, as well as receive support from PES on a case-by-case basis.

Founded by Dan Wansten, one of the nation's leading authorities on solving cash flow problems for families, PES has helped more than 7,500 West Michigan families since opening its doors in 1999. In addition to providing expert financial advice, PES offers counsel in the selection of educational programs based on the student's individual needs and talents. Additionally, PES affiliate clients across the country will have access to college, career and life coaching, including personalized coaching for students on how to get into the school of their dreams - 99% of students working with PES get into one of their top three school choices. PES' goal is to establish up to 1,650 territory-protected affiliates and the company has already established nearly 100 affiliate territories in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Texas combined.

"Paying for college is a primary concern for parents, especially for those who don't know how to navigate the financial aid system properly," states Wansten. "We've helped maximize financial aid eligibility for thousands of families in Michigan and we're excited to share our expertise so that college will be more affordable to families throughout the United States. Our affiliates will assist families on receiving the most 'free-money' from schools, while our educational consultants will provide each student with individualized attention and first-hand knowledge of hundreds of educational opportunities that will lower their college tuition bill."

SOURCE Professional Education Services