Meet a Finance Educator: Robyn Stewart

Our Meet a Finance Educator series introduces students and parents to members of the Bright Horizons College Coach finance team. Drop in to see what we do to relax, where we went to college, the best financial advice we’ve received, and how we work with families to navigate the college finance process. Whether you’re looking to appeal a financial aid offer, maximize merit scholarship opportunities, or spend your assets strategically, our college finance experts are here to help. Today we introduce Robyn Stewart.

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

I am a Massachusetts girl through and through.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

Several years ago, my younger daughter and I started collecting sea glass, shells, and interesting stones. When I am not on the beach looking for treasures, I am in the pool doing water aerobics.

Where did you go to college?

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and I have a Master’s in counseling from Northeastern University. One of the best things I did in college was participate in an exchange program at the University of Sheffield in England.

What jobs did you have as a student?

I have been working since I was 13 years old. Part-time jobs are so important for students! My first job was working the counter at a donut shop. I also worked at a hotel laundry, a wine and liquor distributor, an ice cream shop, a pizza parlor, a concert venue, the campus dining hall, and the study abroad office on campus.

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

Prior to joining Bright Horizons College Coach, I worked at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. For 12 years, I was a presenter for the Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority (MEFA).

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

I believe that all of the colleges and universities on a student’s list should meet these three objectives: academic, campus/culture, and financial fit. Families need to do the work ahead of time to identify their financial priorities, determine if they are eligible for need-based financial aid and/or merit scholarships, and decide if they will borrow loans to cover costs. Financial fit means a school makes sense for YOUR family.

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

I worked with international students for a number of years and really enjoy helping families who are not familiar with the U.S. education system navigate the application process.

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

Just because you have been awarded a certain amount in a loan doesn’t mean you need to accept the entire balance. I always suggest that families do the work upfront to identify what their real net price will be at a college. It’s harder to tighten your belt and cover more from your income, but anytime you reduce the amount you borrow it’s a win.

What is the best financial advice you ever received?

Pay yourself first.