Your Values. Your Goals. Your Path.

Welcome!

College Aligned was founded on the belief that college decisions should be thoughtful, values-driven, and financially realistic. Too often, students and families feel pressure to choose colleges based on rankings, prestige, or sticker price rather than identifying schools that truly fit the student and the family’s financial goals.

College Aligned provides personalized guidance to help families navigate the increasingly complex college planning process. Through strategic advising and meaningful conversations about goals, identity, and financial fit, College Aligned helps students discover colleges that reflect who they are, what they value, and where they can truly thrive.

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Testimonials

“I first came to Ms. Ahlers having no idea what college was going to look like for me. Thanks to her, not only do I now know my goals, but I can see how individual colleges and universities might help me reach them. Thanks to her, and plenty of questions, I am able to say I will be attending the University of Notre Dame on a full-ride scholarship.

Let’s go Irish!!! ”

Grace, Class of 2023

“All students are deserving of a postsecondary education, and Ms. Ahlers made this standing clear throughout our time working together. Although this concept is far from new, she understood that for students of marginalized and first-generation communities, college symbolizes far more than four additional years of schooling. Today I stand as a first-generation Latina, studying pre-law and pre-med at a four-year university, none of which would be possible without the dedicated and unparalleled support of Ms. Ahlers.”

Norma, Class of 2022

"Ariel has helped me in so many ways as I begin my college journey. I had no idea what I wanted to study or what career I was interested in pursuing. Ariel helped me narrow down my interests and turn them into a career path I was interested in. I feel much more confident about college and my career path because of the way she has impacted me. She is always someone I can reach out to for help."

Sofia, Class of 2023