Between economic uncertainty, political shifts, and institutional changes, students and families planning for college in 2025 are facing new pressures—and many old ones that have become more urgent.

In this episode, we explore how current events are directly impacting college-bound students, from FAFSA delays to program cuts and campus climate concerns. While many of the strategies we recommend aren’t new, the stakes have changed. Being informed and proactive is more important than ever.

Here’s what we cover:

• The importance of FAFSA and financial aid planning in an uncertain job market

• Why researching a college’s financial stability matters—especially if you’re drawn to a specific major, scholarship, or program that might be at risk

• How students can protect opportunities like summer programs, research experiences, and mentorships, which may be cut or scaled back

• Factoring in the economy and job prospects when making financial decisions about where to attend

• Free speech, campus protests, and political climate—how these issues are shaping the student experience and what to watch for when choosing a school

• Considerations for international and undocumented students, given recent policy changes and increased legal scrutiny

• State-level education policy shifts—including changes to public university funding, library access, and curriculum laws

In short: it’s a complicated moment. But students can make strong, informed choices if they know what to look for.

Join the conversation! Email your questions to [email protected] or watch us on YouTube (@CollegePrepPodcast) and drop your questions in the comments—they could be featured in a future episode.

The post 571: Planning for College in Uncertain Times: How Current Headlines Affect College Choice appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.