Mike McKinnon
College admissions and financial aid consultant in Downers Grove, Illinois
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Downers Grove, Illinois, United States |
| Credentials | IECA Professional member |
| Practice | College Planners of America, Ltd. |
Mike McKinnon is an independent educational consultant in Downers Grove, Illinois. He helps students and parents with college admissions and paying for college. He runs College Planners of America and works as a college admissions advisor and financial aid strategist. His goal is to get a student into a right-fit school at a reasonable cost with little or no debt. He guides families through a five-step system he built himself.
What Mike helps with
Mike helps families find a right-fit college and pay for it without heavy debt. He also supports students with plans that go past admission.
- Finding a right-fit college
- Paying for college with minimal or no debt
- Raising test scores with test prep
- Keeping or improving GPA
- Choosing a major
- Planning college visits
- Planning for internships, grad school or study abroad
- Finding a first job after college
Who Mike works with
Mike works with local and out-of-town college-bound students who are willing to work with a coach and follow advice on test scores and GPA. He also works with parents who want a right-fit college for their student. These parents plan to pay for college without emptying retirement accounts and are open-minded and clear about their needs.
How Mike works
Mike guides families through a five-step system he developed himself. The plan is built around each family's exact situation and gives them options. It covers assessments, test prep, college visits and choosing a major. He aims for a long-term partnership, not a one-time session. Before he takes on a family, he wants both sides to like each other.
Background and qualifications
Mike McKinnon is an independent educational consultant, college admissions advisor and master financial aid strategist. He leads College Planners of America, Ltd. in Downers Grove, Illinois. He is a Professional member of the IECA. His work covers admissions and the cost of college, with a focus on keeping debt low or at zero for families.
Mike McKinnon pricing
Programs and services
- Free consultation
- Long-term college planning
- Test prep
- College visits guidance
Mike McKinnon reviews
The CoachVouch take
Combines college admissions advising with financial aid strategy in a five-step system aimed at low or no debt.
Best for families who want a right-fit college and a plan to pay for it without draining retirement savings.
Common questions
How much does Mike McKinnon charge?
Coaching with Mike runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Mike from this page for an exact quote.
What does Mike McKinnon help with?
Mike McKinnon helps with finding a right-fit college, paying for college with minimal or no debt, raising test scores with test prep and keeping or improving GPA.
Is Mike McKinnon certified?
Mike McKinnon lists: IECA Professional member.
Does Mike McKinnon help with paying for college?
Yes. He is a financial aid strategist and aims to get students into a good school at a reasonable cost with minimal or no debt.
Does Mike help students after they get into college?
Yes. He helps students plan for internships, grad school, study abroad and their first job.
How do I contact Mike McKinnon?
Send Mike a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.