Kelly A. Sponeybarger
Kelly A. Sponeybarger is the Founder and CEO of KAS College Financial Consulting, a firm dedicated to guiding students and families through the complexities of college financial aid. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Kelly specializes in FAFSA and CSS profile navigation, scholarship and grant advising, and student loan counseling. She combines her extensive professional knowledge with a personal understanding of the challenges faced by non-traditional students and single parents, providing compassionate, patient, and personalized support to every family she works with.
Kelly’s career in financial aid began after returning to school as a single parent, earning both her associate and bachelor’s degrees, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her early roles in university financial aid offices, including Assistant Director of Financial Aid, allowed her to develop a deep expertise in federal and private funding processes, student advocacy, and educational consulting. In 2018, she founded KAS College Financial Consulting to expand her impact, empowering families to navigate the college funding process with confidence and clarity.
Passionate about mentorship, Kelly finds great fulfillment in seeing her students grow and succeed academically and professionally. She actively volunteers in her community, supporting animal welfare initiatives and participating in charity runs, while emphasizing the importance of family, advocacy, and integrity in both her work and personal life. Recognized on the Influential Women 100 list (2026), Kelly continues to inspire and guide students, single mothers, and adult learners, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
• Fairleigh Dickinson University – Master’s Degree, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Fairleigh Dickinson University – B.A., Business Administration
• County College of Morris – AAS, Hospitality Management
• Dean’s List, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Influential Women 2026
• Phi Theta Scholarship
• Michael Mario Scholarship for Hospitality Management
• Mount Olive Child Care
• Charity runner
• Animal welfare supporter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children, who inspired me to return to school and pursue my education despite previous struggles. Their encouragement motivated me to persevere and follow a path that allows me to support other students in achieving their goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to work hard, stay consistent, and be patient. This guidance has been invaluable in navigating the financial aid field and growing my consulting business.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I advise young women to start by participating in work-study programs and gaining experience in multiple campus departments—not just financial aid—so they can understand the field fully and make informed career decisions. Learning on the job is crucial for building the expertise and confidence necessary to thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, advocacy, integrity, and providing support are central to both my professional and personal life. I also value living authentically and giving back to my community, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting animal welfare.