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Are you Prepared for the HUGE changes to Financial Aid in 2026?? 

All About Me! 

David Hocheiser.jpeg

My name is David Hocheiser — I have two kids in college and a third heading there soon.  I’d like to share what I’ve learned about how to get into college - and more importantly, how to pay for it. Through my own experience, I’ve learned how to not only get into college but, more importantly, how to afford it.

As a top-performing mortgage banker, I had a vision that went far beyond finance. I dreamed of building the largest indoor sports complex in NJ — and I made it happen. With drive, deep business acumen, and a lot of grit, I convinced investors, the bank, the SBA, and the town to back an idea no one believed a “mortgage guy” could pull off. Fast forward 4 years of incredibly challenging times and the result?

Sportika — a 170,000 sf, state-of-the-art indoor sports facility with 7 basketball courts and a full sided indoor soccer. Not a bubble either!

Now, with that same drive, I founded LeveltheField, a mission-driven venture helping families navigate the college process without drowning in debt. The truth is, you don’t need to pay a fortune for a great education. Many colleges offer generous grants based on financial need — not loans. I’ll help you understand the system, from “need-blind” vs. “need-aware” admissions to uncovering schools that truly invest in their students.

I’ve learned how to navigate through college grants not loans, financial aid, FAFSA & CSS Profile, along with athletic recruitment for both my boys. With HUGE financial aid reform coming in July 2026, I can help your family prepare and make smart, strategic choices to make college affordable.

As a father, I dove headfirst into the college recruiting world when my oldest son set his sights on playing soccer at the next level. I researched, networked, and strategized and it paid off. Today, my son Josh is playing college soccer at Skidmore College with 75%(2024) and 87%(2026) of his tuition covered through grants not loans. My other son attends Skidmore with the same of grant 87%(2026) as a Freshman. (Note)Tuition cost $92,000! That experience changed our lives — and now I want to help change yours. Whether it’s financial aid or athletic recruiting, I help families navigate the process with confidence, clarity, and my experiences.

How I Can Help!

Guiding Your Family to Grants 
(Not Loans) 

Recruitment Services for the Student Athlete!

Since the financial aid process is increasingly complex it is important you leverage someone experienced.

 

Understanding how to enter the FAFSA and CSS profile has never been more important. Did you know there are over 100 colleges and universities that cover nearly the entire cost of attendance for eligible students who demonstrate financial need?

These schools offer either need-blind or need-aware admissions and there’s a significant difference between the two. I’ve done the research and can provide families with a clear roadmap to colleges that are truly affordable through grants, not loans, based on your SAI (Student Aid Index).

 

In addition to those 100+ institutions, there are hundreds of other schools that meet between 50-90% of a family’s demonstrated need. Many families assume their children must attend a state school or community college for financial reasons — but that’s not always the case.

 

Regardless of your family’s financial situation, I can show you how a four-year college education is within reach.

First & most importantly. I will help your player get started in the recruitment process.

 

Most families just don't know how to start or what to do. It is my job to get you off the ground running. Athletic recruitment is time-consuming, expensive, and overwhelming—and most families simply don’t know where to start. That’s why you need a clear plan. I’ll guide your athlete through the process by sharing my personal experience, proven strategies, and valuable resources gained while helping my own son and other student-athletes navigate recruitment.

Together, we’ll build your athlete’s presence, establish meaningful connections with target schools, and increase communication with college coaches. I’ll also help create a strong outreach strategy, refine highlight materials, and stay organized with timelines and deadlines—all with the ultimate goal of helping them get recruited to the right-fit program.

FAFSA & CSS Profile Entry!

I’ll remove the stress and confusion of the financial aid process by entering your required information

into the FAFSA and CSS Profile for you. Many families delay this step because it feels overwhelming or

assume they won’t qualify for aid. With 18 years of banking and financial experience,

I’ll guide you through the process quickly, accurately, and with confidence.

Services I Offer!!

ARE YOU AWARE AND PREPARED FOR

THE MAJOR, GAME-CHANGING

FINANCIAL AID REFORMS
COMMING JULY 2026?

 


IF NOT — YOU NEED TO BE!!!

FOR ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION. PLEASE CLICK THE SMALL PURPLE CIRCLE TO THE RIGHT.

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THESE ARE THE PROGRAMS THAT WILL BE EFFECTED IN 2026 BY THE  (OBBA) LEGISLATION!

  • PARENT PLUS LOA​NS​!!!!

  • Graduate PLUS Loans

  • Graduate Direct Unsubsidized Loans

  • Professional Degree Loans​​

  • Universal lifetime loan cap 

  • PELL GRANTS​

Contact Me

Tel: 973-715-0721 / Email: davidh@levelthefield.net

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