Meet a College Finance Consultant: Jessica Black

Where are you from, where have you lived, and where do you live now?

I was born in Saigon (modern day Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. My parents immigrated to the U.S. when I was under the age of two. We lived short-term in California, Hawaii, and Washington before settling in Portland, Oregon, where I spent my childhood. I now live in the suburbs of Portland with my husband and daughter.

What are you reading, watching, and/or listening to lately?

I gravitate towards nonfiction books on personal development, behavioral science, and decision-making. I can watch reruns of “Schitt’s Creek” and never get sick of it. “Bad Sisters” is the most recent dark comedy I’ve gotten into.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I love spending quality time with friends and family. Good conversations, dining together, and playing games are a few things that bring meaning to my life. Also, don’t tempt me with a good time at karaoke.

What are some of your interests—things that fascinate you or send you down internet rabbit holes, or things you love to learn more about?

I’m captivated by human psychology and behavior. My favorite college courses, Biopsychology and Psychology of Human Performance, deepened my fascination with how people think and act. I am particularly drawn to analyzing statistics and critically examining data to uncover insights into the human mind. I find myself delving into the psychological nuances behind statements made by suspects and witnesses in true crime cases—just one of many rabbit holes I tend to dig.

Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what, and are there certain causes that are close to your heart?

I am involved in children’s ministry and sing in the choir at my church.

Where did you go to college?

University of Oregon

What did you study?

Psychology and Business Administration

What would you like to go back and tell your high school self about the college application process?

Start early. Begin thinking about your college list and application materials earlier than you think you need to. The time to figure out your post-high school plans will arrive before you know it. Starting early helps you to not feel as rushed, and in turn can alleviate the level of potential stress you might experience.

What jobs did you have as a student?

I was a bank teller my senior year of high school, an experience that helped me in my role as a student assistant for the financial aid office when I was a freshman in college.

Where did you work in financial aid? Any other relevant experience?

During my undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon, I worked in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for four years. After graduation, I secured a role as a business and employment specialist for the State of Oregon Employment Department. I connected qualified talent with the right employers to align skills and workforce needs. After a few years, my true passion for financial aid led me back to the field. I was a financial aid counselor and assistant director at Lewis & Clark College, where I dedicated nearly eight years before joining Bright Horizons.

How do you encourage families to incorporate financial fit into their college search?

Research cost of attendance budgets and merit awards early. Use the net price calculator on college websites and save your results. Create a spreadsheet to calculate your out-of-pocket expenses and compare direct costs between schools less any scholarships.

What aspect of the college finance and/or counseling process do you most enjoy working on?

I enjoy demystifying the myths and complexities surrounding the college financing process. Families are often overwhelmed by mixed messages and misinformation that circulate on the internet and via word of mouth. It brings me satisfaction to provide clarity and peace of mind. Gaining comprehensive understanding and reliable knowledge about the financial aid landscape empowers students to make confident and informed decisions.

What is the advice you give students who are thinking about borrowing loans for college?

Delay borrowing for as long as possible. If you must borrow, accept only what you need and start paying back principal and interest as early as you can. Be conservative in estimating how much you will make your first year out of college and do not take on loan debt that exceeds what you estimate your annual salary will be after you graduate. Research employers who are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) to see if that may be an option for you depending on your career path.

What is the best financial advice you ever received?

Be mindful of lifestyle inflation. Just because you make more, doesn’t mean you have to spend more. Put additional earnings towards stable investments such as index funds. I wish I had learned about investment options earlier in life! Educate yourself on financial literacy because personal finance is not mandatory curriculum at most colleges and universities.