Student Loan Defaults, Post-Decision Day Aid Boosts & College Cost Strategies Every Parent Needs to Know

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 May 1, don’t close the door just yet—many colleges are offering bigger financial aid packages even after the deadline. Learn how to appeal, renegotiate, and make last-minute money moves that could save your family thousands.

We also unpack a powerful New York Times piece on how colleges use private equity firms to maximize what you’ll pay—and what you can do about it. And stay tuned for big news on the push for more accountability in higher education and what it means for future affordability.

This is a must-listen for every parent navigating the college process—because being informed isn’t just power, it’s savings.

👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!

• Learn more about what we do at College Aid Pro!
• Create a Free MyCAP account here to start personalizing your college planning journey!
• Follow Us to hear exactly when new episodes drop!

Chapters:

1. Intro (0:00)
2. Navigating Student Loan Repayment Challenges (05:08)
3. Understanding College Decision Dynamics (08:58)
4. Maximizing Financial Aid Opportunities (13:04)
5. The Business of Higher Education and Marketing Strategies (16:43)
6. The Accountability Crisis in Higher Education (24:53)
7. Government Oversight and College Responsibilities (28:37)
8. The Role of Financial Aid and College Funding (33:55)
9. Proposed Cuts to Educational Programs (39:45)
10. Empowering Parents and Students for Change (45:50)