Midwest College Planning: Helping Families Make Smart College Choices for Over 16 Years

At Midwest College Planning, our core philosophy has remained the same:
We help families find a school where the student thrives—and the family can afford it.
We do this by focusing on three critical pillars: budget, research, and test scores.

Budget: Know What You Can Afford

Understanding how much you can and should spend on college is essential. The cost of an undergraduate degree continues to rise—public universities can exceed $100,000, and private institutions may reach up to $400,000. Our goal is to help families make smart financial choices before any tuition bill arrives. We work with you to assess your savings, plan for future expenses, and explore tax-advantaged strategies to make college more affordable.

Research: Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. It’s a bit like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears—some schools are too big, some too small, but there’s always one that’s just right. We help students go beyond name recognition to explore schools that align with their academic interests, social preferences, and financial realities. Through personalized conversations and data-driven tools, we make the search process manageable and meaningful.

Test Scores: Scholarships & Opportunities

During the pandemic, many colleges went test-optional—but that trend is shifting. More schools are now reinstating test score requirements, especially for specific majors, honors programs, or course placements. Even at test-optional institutions, higher scores can still significantly boost scholarship potential. Our advice? Take the test. Study. Repeat. The return on effort can be thousands of dollars in savings.

We offer one-on-one guidance to both parents and students, helping families navigate these key decisions together. The results? Students who land at schools where they succeed—and families that feel confident about the financial investment.

Meet Our Team

Marc E. Ziegler
President & CEO | Senior College Planning Specialist
📧 [email protected]

Marc has spent years working with families not just locally, but across the country, helping them navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions—how to pay for college without sacrificing long-term stability. His approach is thoughtful and highly personalized, focused on building customized funding strategies that are both tax-efficient and sustainable for each family’s unique situation. Marc believes that college planning isn’t just about getting in—it’s about making smart financial choices that protect your future while supporting your student’s goals.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from University of California, San Diego and later completed his Master’s in Education at Azusa Pacific University. Today, Marc calls Columbus home, where he lives with his wife and is experiencing the college journey firsthand with their three children—one currently in graduate school, one in college, and one still in high school.

Because he’s walking this path himself, Marc brings a level of empathy and real-world understanding that resonates deeply with the families he serves. He understands the pressure, the constant decision-making, and the emotional weight that comes with planning for college—and he’s committed to helping families feel confident and in control throughout the process.

When he’s not working with clients, Marc enjoys staying involved in his kids’ activities, cheering on the Columbus Blue Jackets (Go Jackets!), and taking long walks with the family dogs.

Lisa Newkirk
College Planning Associate & Office Manager
📧 [email protected]

Lisa is truly the organizational engine that keeps Midwest College Planning running smoothly day in and day out. With a natural ability to bring structure, clarity, and calm to even the busiest seasons, she plays a vital role in supporting both the team and the families they serve. Lisa combines strong operational expertise with a genuine sense of empathy, ensuring that every client interaction feels thoughtful, organized, and personal.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University, a foundation that continues to shape her people-first approach. Whether she’s coordinating behind-the-scenes logistics or assisting families directly, Lisa understands that the college planning process is as emotional as it is practical—and she meets families with patience, understanding, and care.

A proud resident of Westerville, Lisa is an empty nester who has successfully guided her own child through the college journey. She knows firsthand what it takes to manage deadlines, decisions, and the many moving pieces involved—while still maintaining a sense of balance along the way.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys entertaining friends, relaxing with a good book on her deck, and spending time outdoors with her dog, Humphrey. She’s also kept alive a beloved tradition that started during the pandemic—her Friday afternoon virtual bridge game, which continues to bring connection, laughter, and a well-earned break at the end of each week.