Michelle Smoley
College Finance Consultant
College Finance Consultant
Former Senior Manager of Student Success
Student Connections
Former Assistant Vice-President
Chase Student Loans
Former Vice-President
Sallie Mae
Former Bursar /Operations Specialist
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
My Background
I began my financial aid counseling career working in a community bank. I provided families with paper FAFSAs and assisted them in completing the application in person. Through the years, the process, products and regulations in the financial aid industry may have changed, but the reward I feel when I help students and families has not. During my tenure at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, I had the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of students working towards all types of degrees from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. From there, I worked in student loan finance and became very passionate about financial literacy. I love educating families about various financial vehicles and assisting them in determining what is the best financial strategy to pay for college.
I had high standards before beginning the service based on the many wonderful reviews and feedback. I am glad the service went above and beyond, exceeding my expectations.
Why I Joined College Coach
I joined College Coach to return to my passion, assisting students and families on how to access and pay for college. As a product of higher education myself, I have personally experienced the return on investment and I want to ensure that other students and families know that college is possible and can be affordable. A post-secondary education is truly the best investment that one can make in themselves and that parents can make in their children’s lives. I love being able to assist them in the financial aid process.
Get to Know Me
My Education

Buena Vista University
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Banking and Finance

Cardinal Stritch University
Master's in Business Administration Degree
Some of my favorite pastimes
Exercising, golfing, shopping, traveling and spending time with my family and friends, volunteering, and community and personal development
More Things I am Involved In
Interested?
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