College is a Business Decision: What Parents Must Know Before Paying for College – Annmarie Hatfield Explains

Most families approach college planning emotionally instead of strategically—leading to wasted time, unnecessary debt, and missed opportunities for aid. Annmarie Hatfield has spent over a decade guiding families through the complex and overwhelming college admissions process. From misunderstood financial aid forms to choosing the wrong schools based on sports teams or family tradition, she’s seen how misinformation costs students thousands—and parents their peace of mind.

In this episode, Annmarie shares how her company, College Inroads, helps students and families navigate college like a business decision—without sacrificing the dream. Whether your child is a freshman or a senior, you’ll learn how to reduce stress, increase options, and even negotiate tuition. This is the episode every parent needs to hear before writing that first college check.

Key Takeaways:

• College Planning is a Business Strategy: Annmarie teaches families to treat college like a business investment, not just an emotional decision.

• Start Early, Save Money: The ideal time to start college prep is 10th grade—but College Inroads now offers programs as early as 8th grade due to demand.

• Don’t Fall for FAFSA Myths: Even wealthy families should file the FAFSA. It opens doors to merit aid, government loans, and eligibility for tuition appeals.

• Tailored College Searches: There are 2,700+ four-year schools in the U.S.—most families only know 20. College Inroads finds the right schools for your child.

• Appeals Can Work: Annmarie and her team help families negotiate for more aid—even after acceptance. College pricing can be flexible if you know how to ask.

About the Guest:

Annmarie Hatfield is a seasoned business owner, speaker, and one of two Partners at College Inroads, an Independent Education Consultant firm based in Texas. With a strong background in sales and marketing, Annmarie has helped guide more than 1,300 students and families over the past 13 years through the complex and often overwhelming college admissions process.

At College Inroads, Annmarie focuses on making the journey to college less stressful and more affordable—from choosing a major and building a college list to applying strategically and reducing college costs. Their team has successfully supported students of all academic levels, helping them gain acceptance to Ivy League institutions, private universities, and public colleges across all 50 states.

Annmarie is also a Texas Ex, award-winning professional, board member, author, wife, stepmom, and proud cat momma. She actively networks in the business community and educates parents and students through webinars, school presentations, and partnerships with financial planners and family-focused organizations like the Young Men’s Service League, National Charity League, and high school PTOs.

Her mission is simple: save families time, stress, and money on the road to college—while making sure every student finds the right fit.

Links:

https://collegeinroads.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariehatfield/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Buy a website, tap her network, and use social media to announce the launch—visibility before perfection.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not spending enough money early on the right marketing. It took 14 years to hit $1M in revenue, but it could have happened faster with better...