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Feeling overwhelmed by college planning and have no idea where to start? You're definitely not the only parent asking that question. In this month's Old College Try Q&A, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough tackle three questions that get to the heart of paying for college: where families should start when everything feels overwhelming, whether you should still file the FAFSA when tuition is already covered by a scholarship, and what your Student Aid Index (SAI) actually means. The biggest theme? Start with the money before you fall in love with the college. Building a realistic four-year budget first can help families create a college list that works academically, personally, and financially—and potentially avoid difficult conversations and unnecessary debt later. Put your questions here: https://forms.gle/4fhtm9QpqHEHkhWh9 In this episode, we cover: 😵‍💫 What to do when college planning feels overwhelming and you don't know where to start 💰 Why creating your family's college budget should come before building the college list 🏦 What to include in your budget—from 529 savings and cash flow to student contributions and help from grandparents 🎓 Why families should understand how financial aid works before seriously touring colleges ❤️ How falling in love with a college before understanding affordability can create problems later 👨‍👩‍👧 Why parents should take an active role in the financial side of the college decision 🗣️ How setting financial expectations early can reduce stress between parents and students 🏫 Why academic and personal fit still matter—but should be considered alongside affordability 📋 Why families should still complete the FAFSA even if they think they won't qualify for need-based financial aid ☀️ What a Florida family's Bright Futures Scholarship question teaches us about FAFSA and merit aid 🏆 How merit scholarships can potentially help with costs beyond tuition, including room and board 🔢 What the Student Aid Index (SAI) actually represents—and what it doesn't tell you 💵 Why your SAI is not automatically the amount your family will pay for college 📊 How the same SAI can lead to completely different costs at different colleges 🏛️ Why a college's own financial aid policies can determine whether your family pays more than, less than, or close to your SAI 📄 Why some families may have both a FAFSA-based SAI and an institutional SAI from the CSS Profile ⚠️ Why seeing a high SAI doesn't necessarily mean your family is out of options for college discounts Key Takeaway: Don't start college planning by asking, “Where does my child want to go?” Start by understanding what your family can realistically afford. Build your budget, learn how financial aid works, understand your SAI, and then identify colleges that make sense for your student and your finances. Your SAI is an important starting point for determining need-based financial aid, but it isn't a college bill. Depending on the school, your family could pay more, less, or close to that number—which is why understanding how individual colleges award aid is so important. 🎵 Song of the Week: Linger — The Cranberries original + Lake Street Dive cover 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

FAFSA season is officially here—but when should you actually submit it? Do you need to rush to file on October 1? And which mistakes could potentially cost your family financial aid? In this episode of Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough dive into all things FAFSA, walking families through what they should be doing now, how to approach the application, and some of the most common mistakes they see year after year. Before getting into the FAFSA, Matt and Peg also discuss college ROI and why families should look beyond rankings and prestige when deciding whether a college is worth the investment. They break down why the real question isn't simply where a school ranks—but what your student is likely to pay, how much they may need to borrow, and what their financial picture could look like after graduation. In this episode, we cover: 📊 Why college ROI should be part of your family's college decision—and why rankings don't tell the whole story 💰 How to think about college costs, potential borrowing, and expected earnings after graduation 📅 Why you don't necessarily need to submit the FAFSA the moment it opens ⏰ The difference between FAFSA opening day and a college's priority financial aid deadline 🚨 Why financial aid deadlines and admissions deadlines aren't always the same 🔑 What an FSA ID is and who in your family needs to create one 👯 What parents of twins and multiple college-bound students need to know about FSA IDs 👨‍👩‍👧 How FAFSA contributors work for married, divorced, separated, and remarried families 📋 Why CAP recommends completing the student section first and then inviting the parent contributor 🪪 What families should know about potential identity verification—and why your student should be nearby when completing the FAFSA 🏦 Why retirement accounts should not be reported as FAFSA investments 💵 How parent-owned 529 plans should be reported—and why putting them in the wrong place matters 🏠 Why the equity in your primary home should not be reported as an investment on the FAFSA 📈 Why knowing your expected Student Aid Index before filing can help you catch potential mistakes 💼 What business owners should know when they reach the business asset section of the FAFSA ⚠️ Why submitting accurate information and meeting each school's deadline can be far more important than racing to file on opening day Key Takeaway: Don't let FAFSA opening day create unnecessary panic. Get your FSA IDs ready, understand which contributors your student needs, check the priority financial aid deadlines for every college on the list, and know your expected SAI before you submit. Filing correctly matters more than simply filing first. The FAFSA may look straightforward, but seemingly small reporting mistakes—like including retirement accounts, reporting a 529 incorrectly, or including home equity—can change the financial picture colleges receive. Preparation now can make the process much smoother when it's time to hit submit. 🎵 Song of the Week: Buy Dirt by Jordan Davis feat. Luke Bryan 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links: 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

Can homeschooled students get into competitive colleges? Are they eligible for merit scholarships? And what exactly does a homeschool parent need to do when it comes time to apply? In this episode of Old College Try, Peg Keough sits down with Caitlyn Obolsky, a homeschooling mom of six who recently sent her two oldest daughters off to UC Berkeley and UC Davis. Caitlyn shares what she's learned from more than a decade of homeschooling—and what parents need to know if college is part of their student's plan. From building a high school curriculum and navigating dual enrollment to creating transcripts, acting as your student's school counselor, finding social opportunities, and pursuing merit scholarships, Caitlyn breaks down the realities of taking a homeschooled student through the college admissions process. In this episode, we cover: 🏠 The different ways families can homeschool, including independent homeschooling, co-ops, hybrid programs, and pod schooling 🎓 Whether homeschooled students can compete for admission at selective colleges and universities 📚 How Caitlyn built completely different high school experiences around each daughter's strengths, interests, and goals 🧮 Why outsourcing certain courses, including math, science, APs, and dual enrollment, can help create a rigorous academic record 📝 Why homeschool parents need to realize they're also their student's school counselor 📄 How to create an official homeschool transcript, school profile, grading scale, and course descriptions for college applications ⏰ Why you should start building your student's transcript early instead of waiting until junior or senior year 📖 Why keeping course descriptions—and even a running book list—can save families a major headache when application season arrives 💰 Why homeschooled students can absolutely qualify for substantial merit scholarships 🎉 How Caitlyn's daughters received merit offers—including one that grew from $34,000 per year to $54,000 per year 🏫 Why relying entirely on community college and transferring later could affect access to freshman merit scholarships ⚾ How extracurricular activities, sports, and social opportunities can work differently for homeschooled students 🎯 How the flexibility of homeschooling can give students unique opportunities to build activities and experiences around their interests Key Takeaway: Homeschooling doesn't have to limit a student's college options—but parents need to be intentional. Keep detailed records from the beginning, understand that you'll likely serve as both parent and school counselor, build an academically appropriate curriculum, and make sure your student has meaningful activities outside the classroom. There isn't one “perfect” homeschool curriculum that guarantees admission, but homeschooled students can absolutely be competitive college applicants. And if scholarships are part of your college strategy, don't assume homeschooling takes merit aid off the table. Caitlyn's experience shows that homeschooled students can receive significant merit offers—but families should understand the difference between applying as a first-year student and transferring later. 🎵 Song of the Week: Unconditional I (Lookout Kid) by Arcade Fire 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here: https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE → Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet → https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15 → https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 📱 Follow Caitlyn Oblosky: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddchomeschool/ 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro: https://collegeaidpro.com

What actually happens after your student hits “submit” on their college application? And why can two equally qualified students receive completely different admissions—and financial aid—outcomes? In this episode of Old College Try, Peg Keough is joined by College Aid Pro expert Christina Lopez, former Dean of Enrollment Management at Barnard College with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, including NYU. Together, they take families behind the scenes of admissions and financial aid to explain how colleges actually build an incoming class—and why there’s so much happening that families never see. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 What really happens after your student submits their college application 👀 Who actually reads applications—and why admissions decisions are still largely made by real people 📚 Why the high school transcript remains one of the most important parts of the application ✍️ How a great college essay can help a student stand out—and why it can't make up for weaknesses everywhere else 🎯 What “institutional priorities” are and how they can influence who gets admitted each year 🏫 Why a rejection doesn't necessarily mean your student wasn't qualified 📊 How colleges use application numbers, admit rates, and yield to build an incoming class 💰 How financial aid and merit scholarships fit into a college's larger enrollment strategy 📉 What the “enrollment cliff” could mean for colleges—and potentially for families 🔥 What happened at Syracuse and why enrollment shortfalls can create major financial challenges for colleges 💵 Why families should build a four-year college budget before finalizing the college list 🔍 Why sticker price doesn't tell you what a college will actually cost your family 📋 How colleges use need-based versus merit-based financial aid differently 🧮 Why Net Price Calculators can be helpful—but shouldn't be your only source for estimating college costs 💡 Why your admissions strategy and financial aid strategy need to work together Key Takeaway: College admissions isn't simply a ranking of the “best” students. Colleges are building a class based on their own priorities, enrollment goals, financial needs, and the students they believe fit their community that particular year. Families can't control everything happening behind the scenes—but they can control building a smart, balanced college list that works academically, personally, and financially. And when it comes to affordability, don't wait until acceptance letters arrive to figure out what you can pay. Start with a four-year budget, understand how each college awards financial aid, and build your admissions strategy around schools that have a realistic path to your family's number. 🎵 Song of the Week: 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

The CSS Profile is officially live—but what exactly is it, who needs to complete it, and why can it have such a major impact on what your family pays for college? In this episode of Old College Try, Peg Keough goes solo for a deep dive into the CSS Profile, the second financial aid form required by roughly 250 colleges and universities. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile takes a much deeper look at your family's finances—and individual colleges can use that information differently when determining your eligibility for institutional financial aid. Peg breaks down the biggest differences between the FAFSA and CSS Profile, the financial situations families need to pay especially close attention to, and some of CAP's best practices for avoiding mistakes before you hit submit. Tell us more about you! Fill out this survey: Ol' College Try Survey In this episode, we cover: 📋 What the CSS Profile is—and why some colleges require both the FAFSA and CSS Profile 🏫 How to determine whether the colleges on your student's list require the CSS Profile 🔢 The difference between your federal SAI and the institutional SAI calculated by CSS Profile schools 🔍 Why the CSS Profile is more detailed and invasive than the FAFSA 👨‍👩‍👧 How the CSS Profile works differently for divorced and separated parents 👥 Why both the custodial and non-custodial parent may need to provide financial information 📝 When a non-custodial parent waiver may be appropriate 🏠 Why your primary home equity isn't included on the FAFSA—but may be considered by CSS Profile schools 💼 What business owners need to know about reporting the value of a family-owned business 👯 Why having multiple children in college can still benefit families at many CSS Profile schools 🔐 How to access the CSS Profile using your student's College Board credentials 💰 Why retirement accounts should not be included with your regular investments ⚠️ The CSS Profile question asking how much parents plan to contribute—and why families should answer it carefully 📣 How CAP approaches the Special Circumstances section and why Peg recommends thinking strategically about when to share changes in your financial situation 🎓 How parent-owned and grandparent-owned 529 plans should be treated differently 📄 Why some CSS Profile questions are required while others may be optional 🧾 Why families should be prepared to provide tax returns, W-2s, and other financial documents after submitting 💡 The three rules Peg recommends remembering when completing financial aid forms: be honest, don't overshare, and don't overestimate Key Takeaway: The CSS Profile isn't just a longer FAFSA. It can look at parts of your financial life that the FAFSA doesn't—including home equity, business value, and, in many divorced families, the finances of both biological parents. At the same time, it can create important planning opportunities, particularly for families with multiple children in college or unique financial circumstances. Before submitting, understand how the schools on your student's list use the CSS Profile, know your expected SAI, pay close attention to each school's priority financial aid deadline, and make sure you're reporting your family's information accurately without unnecessarily overestimating or oversharing. 🎵 Song of the Week: Allison Road by Gin Blossoms 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

What’s the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized student loans? What credit score do you actually need to borrow for college? And can those ads promising to slash your Student Aid Index by 50% really be trusted? In this month's Old College Try Q&A, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough tackle some of the biggest questions families are asking about paying for college. From federal student loans and credit scores to building a realistic four-year budget, navigating financial aid after separation or divorce, and helping an undecided student find the right college fit, this episode covers a little bit of everything. In this episode, we cover: 💰 The difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans 🎓 Why CAP recommends families consider taking the Federal Direct Student Loan—even if they don't immediately need it 📈 What counts as a "good" credit score when shopping for college loans 🏦 How your credit can affect your private, state, and Parent PLUS Loan options 💵 The different pieces that should go into your family's four-year college budget 👵 How to factor grandparents and other family contributions into your college plan 👨‍👩‍👧 What separated and divorced parents need to know about financial aid 🎯 How to help a student who's stressed because they don't know what they want to major in 🏫 Why being undecided isn't necessarily a disadvantage—and how the right college can help students explore their options ⚠️ Whether companies promising to reduce your SAI by 50% are legitimate 🔍 Why lowering your SAI doesn't automatically mean you'll pay less for college 💡 The red flags to watch for before making major financial moves solely to increase financial aid eligibility Key Takeaway: There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for paying for college. Your borrowing options, financial aid eligibility, budget, and even the colleges that make financial sense depend on your family's individual situation. Build the budget first, understand your options, and always look beyond flashy promises before making a major financial decision. 🎵 Song of the Week: Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

FAFSA season is almost here—and even if you think your family won't qualify for financial aid, you should still file. In this episode of Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough kick off the 2027–28 FAFSA season by breaking down what the FAFSA actually does, why they recommend every family submit it, and what parents of Class of 2027 students should be doing now to prepare. They also cover new identity verification requirements, financial aid deadlines, FSA IDs, and some of the biggest FAFSA mistakes that could cost families money. In this episode, we cover: 📋 What the FAFSA is and how colleges use it to determine financial aid eligibility 💰 Why families with higher incomes may still qualify for need-based financial aid 🎓 Why some colleges require the FAFSA for merit scholarships 🏦 How filing the FAFSA gives students access to Federal Direct Student Loans ⚠️ Why skipping the FAFSA freshman year could impact your ability to receive institutional aid later ✅ Why students applying for financial aid should check "yes" on their college applications 🪪 The new FAFSA identity verification process and what ID students should have ready 📅 Why October 1 is the FAFSA opening date—not necessarily your deadline ⏰ How priority financial aid deadlines work and why missing one could mean receiving less aid 🔑 What students and parents can do right now by creating their FSA IDs 👨‍👩‍👧 What divorced and separated families need to know about determining the FAFSA custodial parent 💵 Why families need to understand the four-year cost of college before applications are submitted Key Takeaway: Don't skip the FAFSA because you assume you make too much money, and don't wait until the last minute to start preparing. Create your FSA IDs now, understand each school's financial aid requirements and deadlines, and know what those colleges are projected to cost your family over all four years. 🎵 Song of the Week: Peg by Steely Dan 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

"Free tuition." "No-loan school." "Families making under $200,000 pay no more than $20,000." These college affordability promises sound incredible—but what do they actually mean for your family? In this episode of Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down the push for greater transparency in higher education, including the College Transparency Act and its goal of helping families understand both the true cost of college and the outcomes they can expect. They also unpack new affordability initiatives from schools like Davidson and Boston University—and explain why families need to read beyond the headline before assuming a college will be affordable. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 What the College Transparency Act is and why greater transparency matters for families 💰 Why families should look at the four-year cost of college, not just the freshman-year price tag 📊 How expected career outcomes and college costs should factor into your decision 🏫 What "free tuition" programs may—and may not—actually cover 💵 The difference between tuition, fees, room and board, and the total cost of attendance 🔍 Why income limits aren't the only factor determining whether your family qualifies for these programs 🏦 How your assets can impact eligibility even when your income falls below a school's advertised threshold 📣 Why schools like Davidson and Boston University are introducing new affordability programs ⚠️ What a "no-loan school" actually means—and why your student can still borrow federal loans 🧠 Why families should always verify what a college will actually cost them before getting emotionally attached Key Takeaway: Don't make a college decision based on a headline. "Free tuition," "no loans," and income-based affordability guarantees can be valuable, but the details matter. Look at your family's personalized cost, understand what's actually included, and think about the entire four-year investment before deciding whether a school truly fits your budget. 🎵 Song of the Week: Mrs. Potter's Lullaby by Counting Crows 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

Should your student take AP classes, dual enrollment, or honors courses? Will they improve admissions chances? And can they actually save you money on college? In this episode, Peg Keough is joined by College Aid Pro admissions expert Joe Korfmacher to break down the biggest misconceptions surrounding advanced high school coursework. They explain how colleges evaluate course rigor, when AP or dual enrollment credits actually transfer, and why families shouldn't choose classes based solely on the hope of graduating early or saving tuition. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 The differences between AP, dual enrollment, and honors classes 📚 How admissions offices evaluate course rigor in the context of your high school 📝 Whether earning a B in an AP class is better than an A in a less challenging course 💰 Can AP and dual enrollment classes actually reduce the cost of college? 🏫 Why every college has different policies for accepting AP and dual enrollment credit 📊 How weighted GPAs work—and why comparing GPAs across schools can be misleading 🎯 How students should choose advanced courses based on their goals, strengths, and interests 💡 Common mistakes families make when planning high school coursework 💵 Ways to avoid unnecessary AP score reporting and testing costs during the admissions process 👨‍👩‍👧 Why students should challenge themselves without sacrificing their well-being Key Takeaway: The goal isn't to collect the most APs or dual enrollment credits—it's to build a thoughtful academic schedule that demonstrates curiosity, appropriate rigor, and genuine interest. Colleges review students within the context of their high school, so choosing courses with purpose will always matter more than simply loading up on advanced classes. 🎵 Song of the Week: Bottle Rockets by Scotty McCreery 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

How do you choose the right student loan? What happens if you have two kids in college at the same time? And are outside scholarships really worth it if colleges reduce your financial aid?In this solo Q&A episode, Matt Carpenter answers some of the biggest questions families are asking right now about borrowing, financial aid, and paying for college. From understanding the new Parent PLUS Loan limits to comparing private, state, and federal loan options, Matt breaks down practical strategies to help families make informed financial decisions.In this episode, we cover:💰 How to determine the best loan option for your family's situation🏦 The differences between federal, state, and private student loans📊 When Parent PLUS Loans make sense—and when private lenders may offer better rates👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How to handle paying for multiple children in college at the same time🎓 Why families shouldn't rely on athletic or merit scholarships as their college funding plan⚠️ What scholarship displacement is and how to appeal if your college reduces your financial aid📝 Common FAFSA questions and how to avoid costly mistakes📚 Where to find current federal student loan interest rates and repayment options💳 How Parent PLUS Loans are disbursed throughout the academic year🧠 Why taking action early reduces stress and leads to better financial decisionsKey Takeaway: Every family's borrowing strategy should be different. The best loan isn't determined by the college your student attends—it's determined by your financial situation, credit profile, and long-term repayment goals. The earlier you compare your options and build a plan, the more flexibility you'll have.🎵 Song of the Week: Golden Age by Chris Staples🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0📚 Resources & Links:🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0📄 Download the Student Loan Fact Sheet→ https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/📱 Follow College Aid Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidProInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidproTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidproLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

The first few weeks of college can be exciting...and overwhelming. In Part 2 of Peg Keough's conversation with life coach Suzanne Hanna, they dive into what really happens after move-in day. From homesickness and making friends to building healthy routines and succeeding academically, this episode is packed with practical advice to help students navigate one of life's biggest transitions and help parents know how to support them along the way. In this episode, we cover: 🎒 Why the transition from high school to college feels overwhelming for so many students ❤️ Why homesickness is a sign of love, not weakness 🤝 How to make friends during the first few weeks on campus (even if you're shy) 📱 Why your cell phone can become your biggest obstacle to building community 🧠 Practical ways to get comfortable being uncomfortable before college even starts 📚 The biggest academic adjustment freshmen face and why high school study habits often stop working 📝 A simple study routine that helps information actually stick ⏰ How to create structure when no one is managing your schedule anymore 👩‍🏫 Why office hours may be one of the most underused resources on campus 🌱 How students can build independence while knowing it's okay to ask for help Key Takeaway: College isn't just an academic transition—it's an emotional one. The students who thrive aren't necessarily the smartest; they're the ones who embrace discomfort, build meaningful relationships, create healthy routines, and remember that everyone around them is navigating the same transition. 🎵 Song of the Week: Saturn by SZA 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 → Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 📱 Follow Suzanne Hanna: Website: ⁠https://suzannehannacoaching.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzannehannacoaching⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@SuzanneHannaCoaching 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

Senior year isn't just about applications, acceptance letters, and graduation it's one of the biggest emotional transitions your family will ever experience. In this special episode, Peg Keough is joined by life coach and former educator Suzanne Hanna to discuss what seniors are really going through behind the scenes. From mood swings and anxiety to growing independence and uncertainty about the future, they explore why this year feels so overwhelming for students—and how parents can best support them through it. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 Why senior year can feel like an emotional roller coaster for students 💙 The uncertainty that comes with preparing to leave home 🧠 How stress, fear, and change can show up in surprising ways 👨‍👩‍👧 The four common "senior year personalities" parents often experience 🌊 Why reacting emotionally can make difficult moments even harder 💬 The power of listening instead of trying to immediately fix every problem 🏡 How parents transition from "captain of the ship" to becoming a steady lighthouse ✨ Why making mistakes before college is an important part of growing up ❤️ How homesickness is really a reflection of love—not weakness 🌱 Practical ways families can build stronger communication before move-in day Key Takeaway: Senior year isn't just a college application season it's a season of transition for the entire family. The more parents lead with patience, empathy, and steady support, the more confident and prepared their students will be when it's finally time to leave home. 🎵 Song of the Week: Pay No Rent by Turnpike Troubadours 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 → Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 📱 Follow Suzanne Hanna: Website: https://suzannehannacoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannehannacoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuzanneHannaCoaching 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

Why does college cost so much and who's actually responsible? In this episode of Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and CAP's Director of Education, Peg Keough, take a step back from day-to-day college planning to explore the bigger picture behind skyrocketing college costs. From federal lending and college pricing strategies to consumer behavior and Wall Street, they unpack the forces driving tuition higher—and, most importantly, what families can do to avoid becoming another statistic. They also provide an important update on the new Parent PLUS Loan caps and discuss how private lenders are already responding to the changing landscape. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 Why college tuition has increased so dramatically over the past several decades 💰 The role colleges, lenders, the federal government, and consumers all play in rising costs 🏦 How private lenders are responding to the new Parent PLUS Loan limits 📊 What Sallie Mae's new parent loan product means for families ⚠️ Why borrowing what you're approved for isn't always what you can afford 🏫 How luxury-style campus amenities and selectivity have changed higher education 📈 Why colleges may be forced to rethink pricing and financial aid strategies 💡 The importance of building an affordable college list before falling in love with a dream school 🧠 Why families have more control over the process than they often realize 📋 The borrowing strategy every family should follow before accepting student loans Key Takeaway: College may be expensive, but families aren't powerless. The best financial outcomes come from understanding the system early, comparing costs before applying, and making decisions based on long-term affordability—not emotion. While colleges and policymakers all play a role, informed families still have the ability to chart a smarter, more affordable path. 🎵 Song of the Week: Sugar Mountain by Neil Young 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 → Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

Major federal student loan changes officially took effect on July 1 and the impact could be far bigger than most families realize. In this episode, host Matt Carpenter and CAP's Director of Education, Peg Keough, break down the new Parent PLUS Loan rules, rising federal loan interest rates, and why these changes could leave thousands of families unable to afford the college they've already committed to. They also discuss what colleges may do next, why affordability has to come before enrollment, and what every family should be doing right now. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 The new federal student loan interest rates for the 2026–2027 school year 💰 The difference between Federal Direct Student Loans and Parent PLUS Loans 📊 What subsidized vs. unsubsidized federal student loans actually mean 📉 Why Parent PLUS Loans now have a $20,000 annual cap and a $65,000 lifetime limit ⚠️ How these new borrowing limits could prevent students from attending the college they've already committed to 🏦 Why 40% of borrowing families—and up to 60% of Pell-eligible families—may have no borrowing option beyond Parent PLUS Loans 📚 What families should do now if they expect to borrow more than $20,000 per year 🏫 How colleges may respond to these new borrowing limits through financial aid appeals and pricing strategies 💡 Why understanding affordability before building your college list has never been more important 📋 The borrowing toolkit every family should review before accepting student loans Key Takeaway: The biggest challenge facing college families this year isn't getting accepted—it's figuring out how to pay. With new federal borrowing caps now in effect, understanding your financing options before enrollment is no longer optional. Families who plan early will have significantly more choices than those who wait until the college bill arrives. 🎵 Song of the Week: Your Direction by Goose 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here:https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 → Borrowing Toolkit: https://hubs.li/Q04lMfXv0 → Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:https://collegeaidpro.com

Got questions about paying for college? In this month's Q&A episode, host Matt Carpenter and CAP's Director of Education, Peg Keough, tackle some of the most common questions families are asking right now—from scholarships and financial aid to borrowing strategies and 529 plans. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 The biggest misconception families have about scholarships 💰 Why need-based aid and merit scholarships are both forms of college discounts 📊 How to determine if you're eligible for need-based financial aid—even if your income is higher than you think 🏫 Why some private colleges can cost less than your state school 📚 How to find merit scholarships before your student applies 🔍 The truth about private scholarships and why they make up only a small portion of available aid 🏦 What happens if you're denied a Parent PLUS Loan ⚠️ The new federal Parent PLUS loan caps and what families need to know now 💳 Alternative borrowing options and how to evaluate affordability before taking on debt 📈 Whether it's worth opening a 529 plan if your student is already in high school or college 💡 Why families earning $200,000 per year can still qualify for financial aid at some colleges Key Takeaway: Don't assume you know what college will cost based on the sticker price, your income, or what you've heard from friends. The families who save the most are the ones who understand how colleges actually award aid—and start planning early. 🎵 Song of the Week: Days Like These by Luke Combs 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here: https://hubs.li/Q03kvxZn0 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 → Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://shop.collegeaidpro.com/ 📱 Follow College Aid Pro: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeAidPro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collegeaidpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro 🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro: https://collegeaidpro.com