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:
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📚 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
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"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:
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📚 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:

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🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:
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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:

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🌐 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:

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📱 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:

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📱 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:

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🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:
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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:
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📚 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:

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🌐 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:

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🌐 Learn more about College Aid Pro:
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What happens when your student's college plans take an unexpected turn?

In this special parent spotlight episode, host Peg Keough sits down with College Aid Pro parent Michael Dodge to discuss his family's journey through the college admissions and financial aid process. From early dreams of engineering schools like MIT and Georgia Tech to discovering the perfect fit at Kenyon College, Michael shares the lessons, surprises, and emotional moments that shaped his son Tyler's college search.

🎓 In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why finding the right college fit matters more than chasing rankings

✍️ How Tyler's plans shifted from engineering to creative writing—and how his parents adapted

🏫 The importance of looking beyond well-known colleges

📋 How building a balanced college list can reduce stress and improve outcomes

💰 What families should know about financial aid projections and award letters

📈 How a successful financial aid appeal reduced costs by more than $24,000 per year

📝 Why essays and supplemental applications are often the most challenging part of the process

👨‍👩‍👦 Advice for parents navigating admissions, financial aid, and college decisions for the first time

💡 Key Takeaway: The best college isn't always the most famous one—it's the place where your student will thrive academically, socially, and financially. Michael's story is a powerful reminder that the right fit often comes from keeping an open mind, trusting the process, and looking beyond the schools everyone already knows.

🎵 This episode's song pick: Two of Us by The Beatles, chosen by Michael as a meaningful father-son anthem that perfectly reflects the journey he and Tyler have shared together.

🎧 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://collegeaidpro.com

🎙️ The Old College Try is your weekly guide to admissions, financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and smarter college planning. Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode!