In this thought-provoking episode of College!, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough build on last week's two-part conversation with CEO Kevin Degnan, diving deeper into the most pressing questions surrounding the future of college affordability and access.Should we eliminate federal direct student loans? Would free community college truly benefit students—or backfire? Is it time to rethink the Parent PLUS loan program? Matt and Peg debate the pros and cons of these reforms while exploring how pricing dynamics, student debt, and government funding are shaping higher ed today.From real talk about student loan reform, to how parent accountability and better planning can change outcomes, this episode doesn't shy away from hard truths. Plus, they explore the human side of college: the value of growing up, leaving home, and building lifelong friendships—elements that no tuition model can capture.Whether you're a parent, student, or just passionate about higher ed, this episode offers a candid, nuanced take on how we can fix a broken system and empower families with smarter, saner strategies for college.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

http://www.collegeaidpro.com

http://www.mycap.collegeaidpro.com

https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/

Chapters

1. Introduction and Context of Higher Education Changes (00:00)
2. Federal Direct Student Loans: Pros and Cons (03:01)
3. The Debate on Community College Accessibility (05:41)
4. The Role of Social Experience in College (08:18)
5. Challenges of Community College Perception (11:15)
6. Growing Up: The College Experience Beyond Academics (13:49)
7. Navigating the Transfer Student Experience (20:08)
8. The Era of Accountability in Higher Education (22:00)
9. Consumer Responsibility in College Financing (22:48)
10. The Importance of Parental Involvement (27:34)
11. Investing in Education: A Strategic Approach (31:52)
12. Facing Financial Realities: The College Journey (35:49)