In this episode of the College! podcast, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough unpack major proposed changes impacting college affordability and financial aid in 2025.

They explore the potential endowment tax increase from 1.4% to 21%, new rules that could revoke colleges' nonprofit status, and the controversial plan to require cost of attendance by academic program. Plus, they break down how new Pell Grant eligibility rules could hurt low-income, part-time, and neurodiverse students. If you're a parent, counselor, or college-bound family concerned about rising college costs, financial aid changes, and education policy, this is a must-listen episode.

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Chapters

1. Introduction and Vegas Vibes (00:00)
2. Proposed Tax on College Endowments (02:46)
3. Taxing Intellectual Property of Colleges (10:23)
4. Changes in Cost of Attendance Calculations (14:52)
5. Pell Grant Eligibility Changes (20:57)
6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (30:37)

Are student loan payments coming back? What happens if your child—or you—are in default? In this timely episode of the College! podcast, Matt and Peg break down the urgent changes to federal student loan repayments, what to do right now if you’ve fallen behind, and how it can impact everything from your credit score to your job search.

Plus, if your high school senior just committed to college on May 1, don’t close the door just yet—many colleges are offering bigger financial aid packages even after the deadline. Learn how to appeal, renegotiate, and make last-minute money moves that could save your family thousands.

We also unpack a powerful New York Times piece on how colleges use private equity firms to maximize what you’ll pay—and what you can do about it. And stay tuned for big news on the push for more accountability in higher education and what it means for future affordability.

This is a must-listen for every parent navigating the college process—because being informed isn’t just power, it’s savings.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

• Learn more about what we do at College Aid Pro!
• Create a Free MyCAP account here to start personalizing your college planning journey!
• Follow Us to hear exactly when new episodes drop!

Chapters:

1. Intro (0:00)
2. Navigating Student Loan Repayment Challenges (05:08)
3. Understanding College Decision Dynamics (08:58)
4. Maximizing Financial Aid Opportunities (13:04)
5. The Business of Higher Education and Marketing Strategies (16:43)
6. The Accountability Crisis in Higher Education (24:53)
7. Government Oversight and College Responsibilities (28:37)
8. The Role of Financial Aid and College Funding (33:55)
9. Proposed Cuts to Educational Programs (39:45)
10. Empowering Parents and Students for Change (45:50)

🚨 Student Loan Shakeup Alert!

Federal student loan repayment is back—and that’s just the beginning. In this episode of College!, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough unpack urgent updates affecting millions of borrowers, including those in default facing wage garnishment starting May 5th. They also explore sweeping proposals from the House that could redefine the college funding landscape by eliminating subsidized loans, Parent PLUS loans, and graduate PLUS loans, while introducing new rules for Pell Grants and income-driven repayment plans. With a focus on borrower accountability and long-overdue college accountability, this episode is a must-listen for families, students, and financial planners navigating the evolving world of higher ed funding.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

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