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
174 episodes
173. The True Cost of College & Why the System Is Broken | Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab
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.
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48:48
172. Optimizing College Financial Planning | Insights from Dr. Tim Griesdorn
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.
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36:24
171. Education, AI, and the Future of Jobs | Insights from Harry J. Holzer
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 e...
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29:42
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170. Unlocking Scholarships | Insights from Melissa Rowe
🎓 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 ...
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31:10
169. Navigating College Economics: Higher Ed Financial Stability with Dr. Mike Nietzel
🎙️ 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 ...
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33:35
168. Navigating College Transfers with Jaime Smith
🎓 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 ...
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40:55
167. Rethinking College: Innovation & Reform with Dr. Robert Zemsky
🎓 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...
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29:52
166. Enhancing Parent Engagement in Higher Education with Dave Becker
🎓 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. ...
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34:44
165. UFlex: Remote Jobs for College Students with Cole Frank
🎙️ 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 studi...
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47:03
164. Enrollment Management and Student Success with Dale Bittinger
🎓 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 col...
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30:26
163. Financial Aid, Enrollment & FAFSA with Dr. Taylor Odle
🎓 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 un...
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50:59
162. Navigating Standardized Testing: Insights and Strategies with Laura Whitmore
🎙️ 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—an...
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41:37
161. FAFSA 2025 Updates: Strategic Tips for Maximizing Financial Aid
🎓 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...
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34:36
160. The Business Side of College Admissions: Expert Insights with Dr. Robert Alexander
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 un...
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53:06
159. Navigating Elite College Admissions: Expert Insights with Jayson Weingarten
🎙️ 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 rar...
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39:43
158. AI and Academic Integrity: Expert Insights with Stephen Cicirelli
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, t...
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34:15
157. Decoding College Admissions: Expert Insights with Jeff Selingo, Author of Dream School
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 inter...
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40:30
156. Crafting the Perfect College Essay: Expert Advice with Alan Gelb
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 authe...
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44:44
155. Myths About Financial Aid: Debunked & Real-Life Success Stories
🎓💰 Financial Aid Myths: Busted! + Real Stories That’ll Blow Your MindIt’s that magical (and stressful) time—college acceptance letters and $$$ offers are rolling in! This week on College Knowledge, Dave Kak and Joe the Co...
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35:04
154. Smashing Stereotypes with Dr. Laura J. Burton: Women in Sports Leadership
🎙️ 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 t...
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38:31
153. Rants & Scholarships: Examining the Department of Education's Biggest Failures
In this episode of College Knowledge, Joe the College Pro and Dave the CEO take a hard look at the U.S. Department of Education. They break down the recent FAFSA overhaul disaster, analyze the Department’s track record since its creati...
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31:47
152. Exploring Higher Ed Trends & Earth Sciences with Dr. Kristy Tiampo
🚀 Join hosts Dave Kozak and Joe The College Pro in this exciting episode of College Knowledge, where they break down the latest trends in higher education! 📚✨ From the rising number of women earning degree...
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1:06:25
151. The College Admissions Hustle: What They Don't Tell You
🎙️ The College Admissions Hustle: What They Don’t Tell YouIn this episode of the College Knowledge Podcast, hosts Joe Kern and Dave Kozak explore the business side of college admissions and financial aid. Spon...
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Episode 151
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39:21
150. DEI in Higher Education: Breaking Myths and Building Inclusion with Dr. Amer Ahmed
🎙️ Welcome to the College Knowledge Podcast! Sponsored by the College Planning Network and Paradigm Financial Group, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerins bring you another impactful episode packed with insights into the ever-changing land...
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50:44
149. Is This Rocket Science? Notre Dame TurboMachinery Lab
🎙️ Welcome to the College Knowledge Podcast, sponsored by the College Planning Network and Paradigm Financial Group! In today’s episode, hosts Dave Kozak and Joe Kerins sit down with Dr. Joshua Cameron, Director of the Notre Dame TurboMachinery...
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52:56
