College Knowledge-The podcast where college admissions meets family financial strategy.
Are you trying to understand how financial aid actually works, how to get into the best fit college, why some students receive merit scholarships, or how families can pay for college without jeopardizing retirement? On the College Knowledge Podcast, we break down the financial side of college—how colleges price tuition, how financial aid packages are built, and how families make smart decisions about getting into and paying for higher education. Hosted by experts from Elite Collegiate Planning, Paradigm Financial Group, and College Planning Network, the show features conversations with admissions leaders, financial aid professionals, and higher education experts including voices like Jeff Selingo & Michael B. Horn. Each episode helps families understand the real economics of college, financial aid strategy, and how to navigate the admissions process without making costly financial mistakes.
Episodes
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...
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 highe...
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 imp...
🎓 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-r...
🎙️ 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
🎓 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...
🎓 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....
🎓 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...
🎙️ 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 expe...
🎓 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...
🎓 In this episode of the College Knowledge Podcast, host Dave Kozak interviews Dr. Taylor Odle, a higher education expert from the University of Pennsylvania with academic roots at Wharton and Vanderbilt.
Together, they unpack the realities behind college admissions and financial aid decisions—from how institutions approach enrollment strategy, to the obstacles facing first-gen and low-income students. Taylor also b...
🎙️ In this episode of College Knowledge, we dive into the shifting landscape of standardized testing in college admissions. From test-optional trends to grade inflation and declining national scores, the education system is evolving—and fast.
Joining us is Laura Whitmore, founder of Strategic Test Prep, who shares expert guidance on navigating this new terrain. We discuss the role of SAT vs. ACT, how COVID-19 change...
🎓 In this episode of College Knowledge, Dave and Joe break down the latest FAFSA updates and share expert strategies to help families navigate the financial aid season with confidence.
With applications opening on October 1, this episode covers:
- The latest FAFSA simplifications and changes 📝
- Why early submission is more important than ever
- Pell Grants, government loans, and institutional aid
- Key differences between...
In this episode of College Knowledge, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns explore the business of college admissions with Dr. Robert Alexander, Vice Provost and University Dean of Enrollment at the University of Rochester. Together, they unpack critical topics for students and families, including:
- College yields and why they matter
- Early Decision vs. Early Action
- The role of financial aid in shaping a class
- Waitlists, la...
🎙️ In this episode of College Knowledge, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerns welcome Jayson Weingarten, Senior Mission Consultant at Ivy Coach and former admissions officer at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jayson brings a rare dual perspective—having worked inside one of the nation’s most selective admissions offices and now guiding families through the elite college application process. Together, they explore the real...
Join host Dave Kozak and co-host Joe Kerns (a.k.a. Joe the College Pro) for an in-depth conversation with Stephen Cicirelli, lecturer of English at St. Peter’s University. In this episode, they explore the evolving role of educators, the differences between tenure and non-tenure positions, and the growing influence of AI in academic writing.
Stephen shares candid insights on how artificial intelligence is shaping stu...
In this episode of College Knowledge, Dave and Joe sit down with Jeff Selingo, a leading voice in higher education and author of the new book Dream School. Drawing from his decades of experience—from his early days as an intern at U.S. News & World Report in 1994 to his tenure at The Chronicle of Higher Education—Jeff unpacks the complexities of today’s college admissions process.
The conversation explores the em...
In this episode of College Knowledge, Dave and Joe sit down with professional writer and college essay coach Alan Gelb to break down what makes a standout college admissions essay. From storytelling structure to showcasing authentic human qualities, Alan shares expert strategies for creating compelling personal statements.
You'll also hear tips on supplement essays, how to navigate the writing process from brain...
🎓💰 Financial Aid Myths: Busted! + Real Stories That’ll Blow Your Mind
It’s that magical (and stressful) time—college acceptance letters and $$$ offers are rolling in! This week on College Knowledge, Dave Kak and Joe the College Pro are here to separate fact from fiction when it comes to financial aid.
💥 Think you make too much for aid?
💥 Believe every school meets full need?
Think again.
We’re dropping tr...
🎙️ Get ready for a powerful episode of College Knowledge, as we sit down with the amazing Dr. Laura J. Burton—professor, researcher, and fierce advocate for gender equity in sports. From locker rooms to boardrooms, we’re tackling the tough questions about why women are still underrepresented in sports leadership—and what we can do about it.
Dr. Burton explains how gender stereotypes shape hiring decisions, leadershi...
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