College Knowledge-The podcast where college admissions meets family financial strategy.

Dave Kozak
  • 4.6 (19)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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.

  1. 177. Choosing the Right College in a Broken System with Michael B. Horn

    MAY 8

    177. Choosing the Right College in a Broken System with Michael B. Horn

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the College Knowledge Podcast, hosts Joe Kerns and Dave Kozak sit down with author, speaker, education futurist, and innovation expert Michael B. Horn to unpack one of the biggest questions families face today: How do you choose the right college — and is the traditional system still working? Drawing from his book Choosing College, Michael shares why so many students end up at the wrong school, the hidden reasons behind rising dropout rates, and why “prestige” alone can lead families down the wrong path. Together, they explore the importance of understanding a student’s “why,” identifying what isn’t the right fit, and approaching the college search with a consumer mindset. The conversation also dives into the future of higher education — from co-op programs and gap years to the growing disconnect between college curriculum and real-world workforce demands in the age of AI. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for evaluating colleges beyond rankings, avoiding costly mistakes, and helping students make smarter, more intentional decisions about their future. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on college fit, career readiness, and the evolving future of higher education.  Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    1 hr
  2. 176. AI, Admissions & the Power of Networking with Dr. Marybeth Gasman

    MAY 1

    176. AI, Admissions & the Power of Networking with Dr. Marybeth Gasman

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the College Knowledge Podcast, hosts Joe Kerins and Dave Kozak sit down with renowned higher education expert Dr. Marybeth Gasman of Rutgers University for a powerful conversation on mentorship, networking, college admissions, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in education. Dr. Gasman shares her inspiring journey from a first-generation student in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to becoming a distinguished professor and nationally recognized voice in higher education. Together, the group explores how meaningful relationships, self-advocacy, and authentic networking can shape a student’s future both in college admissions and beyond. The conversation also dives deep into AI in education — from how students should responsibly use tools like ChatGPT to why colleges and employers are increasingly valuing students who know how to leverage technology effectively. Dr. Gasman offers practical advice for families navigating today’s admissions landscape, including how to stand out to colleges, build lasting mentor relationships, and prepare for a rapidly evolving future. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on college access, student success, AI, and the human connections that make all the difference. Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    59 min
  3. 175. Is College Still Worth It? Why a Degree Doesn't Guarantee Success

    APR 24

    175. Is College Still Worth It? Why a Degree Doesn't Guarantee Success

    Send us Fan Mail Everyone says college is the path to success—but is that still true? Featuring Wharton’s Peter Cappelli, this episode dives into the hidden realities of higher education: only a fraction of students graduate on time, employers prioritize experience over degrees, and student loans can become lifelong burdens. The hosts unpack why the system is shifting—and what families need to know before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.  Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    1h 1m
  4. 174. The Admissions Puzzle: Race, Access & the True Cost of College with Professor Julie Park

    APR 17

    174. The Admissions Puzzle: Race, Access & the True Cost of College with Professor Julie Park

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the College Knowledge Podcast, hosts Joe Kerins and Dave Kozak sit down with Dr. Julie Park, a professor of education at the University of Maryland, College Park, and author of Race, Class, and Affirmative Action: College Admissions in a New Era. Together, they unpack the seismic shifts reshaping higher education — from the real-world fallout of the 2023 Supreme Court affirmative action ruling, to the enrollment management tactics universities are using to stay financially afloat, and what it all means for students and families trying to navigate the system. This conversation covers: How the Supreme Court ruling is driving stark drops in Black and Latinx enrollment — and the cascade effect rippling down to community colleges and for-profit institutionsThe uncomfortable truth about public universities recruiting wealthy out-of-state students at the expense of their own residentsWhy college is still worth it — but only if students go in with their eyes open and a planHow athletic spending, campus expansion, and enrollment management are reshaping admissions prioritiesThe hidden financial burden on families — and why state legislatures hold more power than most people realizeIf you're a student, parent, or counselor trying to make sense of today's rapidly changing college landscape, this episode is essential listening. Tune in for a candid, expert conversation on admissions, equity, and the future of higher education in America. Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    37 min

  5. JAN 30

    173. The True Cost of College & Why the System Is Broken | Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab

    Send us Fan Mail 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 often misunderstood, and what meaningful reform could look like. Listeners will walk away with practical insights for navigating the college financial journey — plus a deeper understanding of bold solutions such as free community college and the policy changes needed to make higher education more affordable and equitable for all. 🎧 Tune in for a must-listen conversation on college access, affordability, and the future of education Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    49 min

  6. JAN 23

    172. Optimizing College Financial Planning | Insights from Dr. Tim Griesdorn

    Send us Fan Mail 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 higher education. The discussion explores key topics such as dependent vs. independent student status, the role of mentorship, early planning strategies, and how graduation and retention rates factor into long-term value. The episode also highlights the importance of personal financial management education and finding the right financial, academic, and social fit when choosing a college. Parents and students alike will walk away with actionable insights to navigate the college cost landscape more confidently and strategically. Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    36 min
  7. 171. Education, AI, and the Future of Jobs | Insights from Harry J. Holzer

    JAN 9

    171. Education, AI, and the Future of Jobs | Insights from Harry J. Holzer

    Send us Fan Mail 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 impact of AI on future job markets. Holzer shares insights on workforce development, challenges facing higher education, and why critical thinking and lifelong learning are more important than ever. This conversation offers valuable guidance for parents, students, and anyone looking to better understand how education choices connect to long-term career success. Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    30 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    170. Unlocking Scholarships | Insights from Melissa Rowe

    Send us Fan Mail 🎓 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-ride awards at top universities across the country. Melissa shares powerful insights into how scholarships play a critical role—not only in helping students get to college, but in ensuring they stay and thrive once they arrive. The conversation dives into:  ✔️ How scholarship strategies should be integrated into the college application process  ✔️ Why early preparation is key to maximizing scholarship opportunities  ✔️ How parents can effectively support and guide their children on the path to becoming scholars  ✔️ The importance of strong writing skills, networking, and community involvement  ✔️ Why holistic student development matters more than ever This episode is packed with actionable advice for students, parents, and educators navigating the complex world of college planning and funding. 🔗 Learn more at capturegreatness.org Video Version of Podcast YouTube: The College Knowledge Podcast Follow us on social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us online: The College Knowledge Podcast Website Elite Collegiate Planning

    31 min
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4.6
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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.

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