In 2001, Sue Luse turned the part of her job she loved best as a high school guidance counselor into an independent business called College Expert, and she hasn’t looked back. Sue knew she loved cheering on students through the college research and application process, and since she started College Expert, she has guided more than 2,000 students on this journey. Her goal has always been to help students find a great college fit where they will connect with the community, thrive academically and be happy. She uses her deep knowledge of hundreds of campuses across the country, which she has visited personally, to help them sort through their options and the sometimes complex application process with insight into what certain colleges value and look for in applicants. She also provides calm, confident reassurance during what can be a frazzling experience for parents as well as students.

In addition to 25+ years of experience, Sue has been an active professional member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) since 2001 and is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) with the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners. Sue has served on several boards, including the Eagan Community Foundation, Eagan Rotary, the YMCA, and Vale Communities. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in school counseling and guidance from the University of Wisconsin. 

Her Eagan, Minnesota-based business not only reaches students across the country, but as far away as England, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. It’s not uncommon for Sue to begin working with a student as early as 8th grade. Through high school, she helps them to develop academic, testing and activity plans and to tailor their application to fit their strengths and personality. She also coaches them on how to demonstrate interest to the college admissions department through on-campus tours, emails, and interviews; where to sleuth out financial aid and merit scholarships; and how to approach the many required essays.

A prominent speaker on college issues, Sue’s business recently was featured in the Star Tribune. She also has been featured in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, Minnesota Parent, and Twin Cities Business’ Black Book and interviewed on WCCO Radio, MPR Daily Circuit, KARE-TV, and USA Today as well as for articles in The Wall Street Journal, Huff Post Live and Consumer Digest Report. Sue contributes to the College Expert blog, where you can find her college visit recaps and news and advice about college planning. She also is the author of an online college guidebook, Destination: College, and the creator of a patent-pending playing card game for exploring college preferences. 

Over the past 10 years, College Expert has evolved into a family affair. Son Ryan Luse, a graduate of Emerson College, has joined his mother as a college counselor. To serve her growing business, she also employs a staff of 12 including counselors, essay experts, and an office manager. Sue and her employees share a similar emotional investment in each student’s applications, which has been recognized in testimonials from appreciative families and students.

Sue’s passion for her business is obvious to all who watch her at work; her cool confidence and raw energy are infectious to the teens she works with, constantly motivating them to work towards higher goals. She says, “It may sound cliché, but I truly feel this way: I wake up every morning, and I cannot wait to come down to my office to see who is on the schedule, what emails have come in, and who has submitted what. I really enjoy this job because every day is so different and every student is so different.” 

More About Sue

Go to Sue's College Visits.

You can find Sue's media interviews and articles in blog posts under "Sue in the News" category.

Learn more about Sue Luse through this essay entitled The College Applicant's Best Friend written by a student for an English assignment. It is a portrait of "The College Expert" through the lens of a student.