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In this episode of the College Knowledge Podcast, host Joe Kerns sits down with renowned sociologist Dr. Sara Goldrick‑Rab to uncover the real drivers behind rising college costs and the policies shaping higher education today.

As the founder of the Real College movement and author of Paying the Price, Dr. Goldrick-Rab breaks down why the current education system is failing students and families, how financial aid is often misunderstood, and what meaningful reform could look like.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights for navigating the college financial journey — plus a deeper understanding of bold solutions such as free community college and the policy changes needed to make higher education more affordable and equitable for all.

🎧 Tune in for a must-listen conversation on college access, affordability, and the future of education

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In this episode of College Knowledge, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns are joined by Tim Griesdorn, Ph.D., an associate professor of finance, for a practical conversation on optimizing college financial planning.

Dr. Griesdorn shares his personal journey from growing up in poverty to building a career in academia, offering a perspective on how students and families can make more informed financial decisions about higher education. The discussion explores key topics such as dependent vs. independent student status, the role of mentorship, early planning strategies, and how graduation and retention rates factor into long-term value.

The episode also highlights the importance of personal financial management education and finding the right financial, academic, and social fit when choosing a college. Parents and students alike will walk away with actionable insights to navigate the college cost landscape more confidently and strategically.

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Welcome to the College Knowledge Podcast, sponsored by the College Planning Network and Paradigm Financial Group. In this episode, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns (Joe the College Pro) sit down with Harry J. Holzer, a leading expert in labor economics and public policy from Georgetown University.

Together, they explore the evolving landscape of education and the workforce—from the role of community colleges to the impact of AI on future job markets. Holzer shares insights on workforce development, challenges facing higher education, and why critical thinking and lifelong learning are more important than ever. This conversation offers valuable guidance for parents, students, and anyone looking to better understand how education choices connect to long-term career success.

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🎓 In this episode of College Knowledge, co-hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns welcome Melissa A. Rowe, M.Ed., author of Scholars Get Dollars and founder of Capture Greatness! Scholarship & College Coaching. With over a decade of experience in college access and student success, Melissa has helped students secure more than $12 million in scholarships, including the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship and full-ride awards at top universities across the country.

Melissa shares powerful insights into how scholarships play a critical role—not only in helping students get to college, but in ensuring they stay and thrive once they arrive.

The conversation dives into:
 ✔️ How scholarship strategies should be integrated into the college application process
 ✔️ Why early preparation is key to maximizing scholarship opportunities
 ✔️ How parents can effectively support and guide their children on the path to becoming scholars
 ✔️ The importance of strong writing skills, networking, and community involvement
 ✔️ Why holistic student development matters more than ever

This episode is packed with actionable advice for students, parents, and educators navigating the complex world of college planning and funding.

🔗 Learn more at capturegreatness.org

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🎙️ In this episode of College Knowledge, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns sit down with Dr. Mike Nietzel — faculty emeritus from Missouri State University and senior contributor to Forbes. Dr. Nietzel brings decades of experience in higher education leadership to break down the complex financial realities facing colleges today.

Together, they explore:
 ✔️ What financial stability really looks like for a college
✔️ The major risk factors students and parents should pay attention to
✔️ How declining enrollment and the “enrollment cliff” are reshaping higher ed
✔️ The meaning and impact of financial exigency
✔️ Strategies that financially healthy institutions use to remain competitive
✔️ How to evaluate whether a college is positioned for long-term success

Whether you're a student, parent, counselor, or educator, this episode offers essential insights into choosing the right college in a rapidly changing landscape.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert conversations on college planning and higher education.

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🎓 In this episode of College Knowledge, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns sit down with Jaime Smith, author of The Complete Guide to College Transfer and a certified educational planner with 25+ years of experience. Jamie shares expert insights on transferring from community college to four-year universities, navigating transfer agreements, and managing credits. 

💡 She also breaks down common misconceptions, the power of self-advocacy, and how to ask the right questions along the way. 

🎧 Whether you’re preparing to transfer or just exploring the process, this episode is filled with practical advice and encouragement.

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🎓 In this episode of College Knowledge, co-hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns sit down with Dr. Robert Zemsky, Chair of the Learning Alliance for Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania. With decades of experience shaping higher education, Dr. Zemsky dives into his pioneering College-in-3 initiative and shares candid insights on boosting retention, redefining faculty roles, and reimagining curriculum reform. 💡 Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at the future of college learning and the bold innovations reshaping academia.

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🎓 In this episode of College Knowledge, co-hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns sit down with Dave Becker, CEO and co-founder of CampusESP, to explore how technology is transforming parent and family engagement in higher education. 

Becker shares how CampusESP empowers colleges and universities to better connect with families, improve communication, and support student success from admission through graduation. 

💡 Tune in for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of parents, the impact of financial aid, and the future of engagement in the college experience.

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🎙️ In this episode of College Knowledge, host Joe Kerns sits down with Cole Frank, co-founder of UFlex — a platform helping college students find flexible remote job opportunities that align with their studies and career goals. 🌎💼

Cole shares how his own college journey inspired UFlex, the challenges students face when balancing work and academics, and how his startup is bridging the gap between education and experience. Tune in for practical insights on career readiness, entrepreneurship, and the future of student employment.

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🎓 Dale Bittinger, Assistant Vice Provost at UMBC, shares over 25 years of experience in enrollment management and student success in this episode of College Knowledge. From navigating admissions to supporting students through their college journey, Dale offers insider insights, practical tips, and personal stories to guide families through this pivotal stage. 🌟 Whether you’re exploring college options or preparing for the next step, this conversation delivers the knowledge and encouragement you need for a successful path forward.

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