From Immigrant Dream to College Planning Success: How Lora Georgieva Built Destination College to Help Families Save Thousands
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Lora Georgieva is the owner of Destination College, a college planning and financial aid consulting firm that has been helping students get into their dream colleges while saving families an average of $120,000+ through expert admissions guidance and extensive financial options through grants and scholarships. Founded in 2010 and based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA, Destination College provides comprehensive admission and financial aid assistance to families across the United States and worldwide.
Lora is a Certified College Planner since 2010, the recipient of the 2017 Influential Women in Business Award, endorsed by an Illinois congressman as his inclusive college planning resource, author of "What Others Don't Tell You About College Planning," and co-author of the book "Let's Talk About Money."
The Journey of an Immigrant Dream
On July 22, 2003, Lora arrived in the United States with her husband and a dream. Like many immigrants, she came with hope, determination, and a vision of building a better life. The American Dream was not simply an idea to her—it was a goal she was willing to work tirelessly to achieve.
The early years were challenging. Lora worked low-paying jobs, often walking to work and surviving on only two or three hours of sleep each night. Every day required sacrifice, but she remained focused on creating opportunities for herself and her future family.
In 2004, she secured a position as a bank teller. Through hard work and dedication, she advanced into management. During this time, she was also blessed with two children, Ali in 2005 and Chris in 2007. Becoming a mother strengthened her determination and gave her an even greater purpose.
A Defining Moment of Adversity
In 2008, Lora launched her first business as a financial advisor. However, life had other plans. The financial crisis devastated the economy, and as the markets crashed, so did her marriage. Her husband left, and suddenly she found herself alone with two young children, ages two and three, and a checking account with a zero balance.
The challenges continued to mount. Lora moved in with her parents and spent the next three years sleeping on their couch. Many people would have viewed this situation as failure. Some might have given up or fallen into despair. Instead, she made a different choice.
She chose to start over.
Founding Destination College
In 2010, with no capital and no guarantees, Lora founded Destination College. She believed that families needed guidance through the complicated college admissions and financial aid process, and she was determined to provide it.
The smartest decision she made during this period was surrounding herself with people who were smarter than her. They believed in her vision, encouraged her when times were difficult, and helped her continue moving forward.
Over time, that decision paid off. Destination College grew into a thriving business, achieving growth of more than 300% annually for several consecutive years.
A Unique Skill Set That Sets Destination College Apart
Lora holds a bachelor's degree in accounting with a double major in actuarial science. Her experience allows her to help hundreds of students get the financial aid they need through a careful review of their academic achievements and financial resources. This unique skill set is an asset to all her clients.
Destination College's team of experts specializes in:
Tax planning for college affordability
Financial planning to maximize aid eligibility
Academic planning to match students with the right colleges and majors
Customized guides for each student's unique journey
Comprehensive College Planning Services
Destination College provides expert guidance for students at every stage:
High School Students (Grades 9-12):
Consultation with a Certified College Planner
Creating an Admission and Financial Aid Timeline
Major Assessment Test to determine career choice
Resume Writing Assistance
Admission and Supplemental Essay Writing Assistance
College Application Filing
College Financial Plan using income and asset shifting strategies
Scholarship Research and Scholarship Essay Assistance
FAFSA and CSS Profile Filing
Financial Aid Results Review and Appeals
Negotiating the Cost of College
College Students:
Ongoing Financial Aid assistance
Lowering tuition costs
Internships and research opportunities
Career exploration as graduation approaches
Transfer Students:
Academic standing review
College/major selection for transfer
Financial options through internships, grants, and scholarships
Proven Results
Destination College's results speak for themselves:
$120,000+ Average Savings Per Student over 4 years
$18+ Million in Scholarships Won
5X Higher Acceptance Rate than the national average
13+ Years of College Planning Experience
Certified College Planner since 2010
Associates include Former Ivy League Admission Advisors and Tax and Financial Planning Experts
A Published Author and Recognized Expert
Lora's expertise has been recognized through multiple achievements:
Author of "What Others Don't Tell You About College Planning"
Co-author of "Let's Talk About Money"
Endorsed by Congressman Bob Dold as his inclusive college planning resource
Appointed by a family law judge to assist a family with college planning
2017 Influential Women in Business Award recipient from the Business Ledger
Giving Back Through Nonprofit Work
Lora has established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in addition to her for-profit business to promote helping underprivileged families. She has provided her services to other nonprofits as well, teaching their staff how to implement her process so she can provide impact on a greater scale and leave no one behind who is in need of her services.
Her passion for helping others has inspired her next venture: a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and young people through education. She knows what it feels like to face uncertainty, hardship, and hopelessness—she has lived through those moments herself. That is why she wants to help others discover the opportunities that education can provide.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Lora has hired employees of all backgrounds and is a true supporter of diversity and inclusion. She believes that everyone deserves access to quality college planning guidance, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Lora's Advice to Women Entrepreneurs
My favorite quote is 'Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.' Behind every obstacle there is growth, behind every challenge there is opportunity, and behind every mistake there is a lesson. Don't be afraid to fail! Embrace being uncomfortable!
For Lora Georgieva, success is not just about business growth—it is about helping families achieve their dreams, empowering students, and proving that resilience and determination can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Quick Profile
Founder/Owner: Lora Georgieva
Company: Destination College
Founded: 2010
Location: Vernon Hills / Lincolnshire, Illinois, USA
Industry: College Planning / Education / Financial Aid Consulting
Specialization: College admissions guidance, financial aid optimization, scholarship research, tuition negotiation
Credentials: Certified College Planner since 2010; Bachelor's Degree in Accounting with double major in Actuarial Science
Recognition: 2017 Influential Women in Business Award; Endorsed by Congressman Bob Dold; Published Author
Nonprofit: 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering women and young people through education
Mission: Helping students get into their dream colleges while saving families an average of $120,000+ through expert admissions guidance and financial aid strategies
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