Ol' College Try

In this must-listen episode of College! , host Peg Keough sits down with CAP Admissions and Financial Aid Expert Dan Bisig to break down everything families need to know about the Common App. What is it? When should students start? What are the big changes for this year’s cycle—and how can families avoid costly mistakes? Dan shares expert insight on timelines, supplemental essays, scholarship oppo...

The big, beautiful bill has passed—and it's bringing some of the biggest changes to higher education policy in years. In this episode, Matt and Peg break down what this means specifically for college-bound families. They tackle the most important updates taking effect July 1, 2026, including: 📆 Timing: Who’s affected and when the changes kick in 💸 Pell Grant: What stayed the same and new usage r...

In this episode, Matt and Peg break down how colleges price, discount, and compete for students—especially post-May 1. From Syracuse’s aggressive merit offers to the broader strategy behind tuition discounting, you'll learn how to navigate financial aid, appeal offers, and avoid paying full price. Get insider tips to play—and win—the college funding game. 👉 Subscribe and share with families navig...

Join Peg Keough and her son, Brennan Keough, as they unpack the real challenges of the college admissions journey—from building the right college list and having honest financial aid talks to navigating first-year loneliness and picking a school that fits. A must-listen for families preparing for the college process. 👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning! Learn more abou...

In this episode of College! , Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough unpack a flurry of hot-button topics shaping the higher ed landscape. First, they dissect the Wall Street Journal's latest report on elite colleges' response to a proposed tiered federal endowment tax , including an alternative plan from the so-called “Learn Alliance” (think Yale, Stanford, Princeton) to allocate 5% of their multibillion-...

In this candid episode of College! , co-hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough pull back the curtain on how they’re approaching college savings as parents —one with twins, one with a 10-year-old—and the different paths they’ve taken. Whether you’re just starting to think about saving or wondering if it’s too late, this conversation offers relatable, real-world insights with zero judgment . Matt and P...

Big shifts are coming to student financial aid—and parents need to be ready. In this episode of the College! podcast, Matt and Peg break down the proposed education bill shaking up college funding. Learn how the potential elimination of subsidized federal student loans, new limits on PLUS loans, lifetime borrowing caps, Pell Grant changes, and endowment taxes could affect your family's college...

Explore the launch of MyCAP 2.0, last-minute appeal strategies for Class of 2025, federal student loan interest rate changes, and a deep dive into proposed college accountability legislation. Featuring expert insights from Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough. 👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning! Learn more about what we do at ⁠College Aid Pro⁠ ! Create a ⁠Free MyCAP account⁠...

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 ne...

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...

🚨 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 eliminatin...

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 i...

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 account...

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...

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 fo...

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 aroun...

📢 Episode Description: In this episode of College! , Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down the latest college financial aid changes, student loan policies, and campus controversies that could impact students and families in 2025. From FAFSA updates and federal loan cutbacks to hiring freezes at major universities, we cover what you need to know to make informed college decisions. Plus, we disc...

With major changes happening in higher education policy, student loan repayments, and financial aid structures, what do parents and students need to know right now? In this episode of The College! Podcast, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down the latest developments, including: ✅ The impact of Linda McMahon's appointment as Secretary of Education ✅ The privatization of student and pare...

In this week's podcast, Matt and Peg discuss the evolving landscape of student loans, federal funding, and the implications of recent educational policies. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst uncertainty, understanding the nuances of federal loan programs, and the critical role of Pell Grants in supporting low-income families. The discussion also touches on the i...

In this episode, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough discuss the current landscape of college funding, including the implications of recent education policies, the Dear Colleague letter, and the impact of potential changes to financial aid and student loans. They explore the challenges families face in navigating these changes and provide key takeaways for students and parents to better prepare for the...

In this conversation, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough discuss the recent announcement regarding the Department of Education and its implications for higher education funding and student loans. They explore the potential changes to financial aid, the role of Parent PLUS loans, and the importance of oversight in education funding. The discussion emphasizes the need for families to take accountability...

Join Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough as they explore the complexities of the college experience, focusing on financial aid trends, personal college journeys, and the emotional aspects of navigating higher education. They discuss the assumptions made by colleges regarding family finances, the importance of open communication about money, and how personal experiences shape one's college choices an...

In the inaugural episode of 'College', hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough dive into the multifaceted journey of college planning, emphasizing the emotional aspects often overshadowed by logistical concerns. They share personal anecdotes, discuss family expectations, and explore the societal pressures surrounding college admissions. The conversation aims to provide insights and strategies...