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.

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In this episode of The College Podcast, Peg Keough is joined by fellow College Aid Pro team members—and fellow moms—Cathy Portele and Ann-Marie Sanderson. Together, they dive into their personal experiences guiding their kids through the college admissions journey. From learning financial lessons the hard way, to setting clear expectations the second time around, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights for families navigating the process.

Discover:

• The emotional and financial lessons learned from sending their first kids to college

• How they're approaching the journey differently with their younger children

• The power of setting boundaries, being transparent, and allowing kids to lead

• The impact of military benefits, homeschooling, and music scholarships on college decisions

Whether you're a parent of a middle schooler or a senior deep in applications, this episode will resonate, inspire, and help you feel less alone in this transformative season.

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Chapters

1. Introduction and Recent Developments in Education (00:00)
2. Navigating the College Process: Insights from Three Moms (03:51)
3. The Journey of College Selection: Personal Experiences (07:08)
4. Financial Planning for College: Setting Boundaries and Expectations (09:58)
5. Understanding Scholarships and Financial Aid (13:06)
6. The Impact of Individual Choices on College Outcomes (16:04)
7. Lessons Learned: Reflections on the College Experience (19:00)
8. Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents (22:04)
9. Conclusion and Future Considerations (24:57)
10. Navigating Academic Expectations (27:28)
11. Understanding College Financial Planning (29:21)
12. The Importance of Early Preparation (33:19)
13. Modeling Behavior for Future Success (37:29)
14. Key Takeaways for Parents (40:30)
15. Navigating the College Journey (46:44)
16. Reflections and Lessons Learned (47:25)

In Part 2 of our conversation with College Aid Pro CEO Kevin Degnan, we go deep on why the U.S. college system is broken—and how we can fix it. With $1.8 trillion in student loan debt and skyrocketing tuition, Degs and Matt break down how we got here and the bold steps needed to create real accountability in higher education.

From federal student loan reform to holding colleges financially accountable for outcomes, this episode offers clear, practical solutions to fix a system that’s failing too many families. If you're a parent, student, policymaker, or educator, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to make college more affordable and transparent.

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https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters

1. Introduction to Kevin Degnan (00:00)
2. The Historical Context of Student Loans (01:27)
3. The Role of Government in College Financing (07:02)
4. The Need for Accountability in Higher Education (10:05)
5. Proposed Solutions for Reform (13:35)
6. Ensuring Accessibility in Education (1 8:33)

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, Matt sits down with College Aid Pro CEO Kevin “Degs” Degnan to unpack the personal journey that shaped his mission to reinvent how families pay for college. From growing up as one of eight kids in Massachusetts to facing the hard truths of the college application process, Degs shares the setbacks and pivots that ultimately led him from Stonehill College to the Peace Corps in Peru, and eventually to earning his MBA and building a remarkable career in finance and business management.

This is a candid look at what happens when your dream school says no—and how that moment can fuel a lifetime of purpose. If you’re navigating college admissions, financial aid, or wondering how rejection shapes resilience, this episode is for you!

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http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters

1. Meet Our CEO (00:00)
2. Growing Up in a Big Family (02:53)
3. College Application Journey and Rejections (05:20)
4. Advice for College Applicants (08:16)
5. Transitioning to the Peace Corps (10:35)
6. Experiences in the Peace Corps (13:27)
7. Pursuing an MBA and Career Reflections (15:59)
8. Working with ExxonMobil in Iraq (18:33)
9. Career Path and Investment Banking (21:12)
10. The Evolution of College Aid Pro (24:09)
11. Understanding the College Funding Crisis (26:44)
12. The Historical Context of Student Loans (29:10)

In this timely episode, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down the latest chaos in the world of student loans and college financial planning. With recent announcements about the

Department of Education’s restructuring—including the controversial shift of the Office of Federal Student Aid under the SBA—families across the country are left wondering what this means for their financial aid, loan forgiveness programs, and college affordability.

Matt and Peg discuss the real-time impact on current borrowers, the challenges of FAFSA system failures, and offer crucial insights into why keeping meticulous loan records is more important than ever. They also dive into bold predictions around the potential elimination of Parent PLUS Loans, the long-term effects on college pricing, and how families can prepare smarter now.

Whether you have a senior choosing between colleges or a younger student on the path to higher ed, this episode offers powerful advice, action items, and a dose of perspective every family needs.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Loan forgiveness program freezes
• FAFSA glitches & system breakdowns
• Impact of shifting Federal Student Aid to the SBA
• Why PLUS Loans may disappear
• Action steps for the Class of 2025 and beyond
• Setting realistic college expectations with your child
• The case for trade schools and alternate education paths

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

http://www.collegeaidpro.com

http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Department of Education Changes (03:11)
3. Current Borrowers and Loan Servicing Challenges (05:59)
4. FAFSA Issues and Their Impact (08:56)
5. The Importance of FAFSA for College Access (12:01)
6. Predictions on Student Loan Changes (17:53)
7. The Impact of Student Loans on Families (24:01)
8. Setting Expectations for College Costs (28:24)
9. Navigating College Choices and Financial Aid (31:56)
10. The Future of College Affordability (38:33)
11. Taking Control of College Financing (46:57)

This week on College, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough dive into major changes shaking up higher education, including Harvard’s latest tuition policy update and a proposed tax hike on university endowments. They also discuss the Department of Education layoffs, FAFSA glitches, and what these changes mean for families navigating the college affordability maze. Plus, they challenge the narrative around “no-loan” schools and share practical insights on how families can take control of their college planning process. Tune in for a candid, insightful discussion—and a dose of optimism about what could go right!

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to share!

http://www.collegeaidpro.com

http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters:

1. Mindset Matters: Overcoming Catastrophizing (00:00)
2. Department of Education Layoffs: Impacts and Reactions (05:01)
3. FAFSA Glitches: Coincidence or Consequence? (09:35)
4. Accountability in Higher Education: Oversight Challenges (13:43)
5. Harvard's Tuition Changes: A Closer Look (19:25)
6. Understanding Financial Aid at Elite Schools (22:48)
7. The Unique Formula of Harvard's Financial Aid (25:06)
8. The Importance of Individual Financial Situations (27:49)
9. Navigating College Affordability and Financial Aid (31:03)
10. The Misconception of 'No Loan' Policies (33:29)
11. Potential Changes in Endowment Taxation (37:11)
12. Optimism for Future Changes in Education Funding (41:00)