Media Spotlight: Matt Carpenter Offers Crucial Guidance Amid Department of Education Changes on Fox News Houston
In the wake of President Trump’s recent executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, confusion and concern are rippling through millions of American households. With student loan repayment plans paused, the FAFSA portal facing outages, and half of the Department’s workforce laid off—including critical tech support personnel—borrowers and students are struggling to understand what comes next.
Fortunately, Matt Carpenter, Co-Founder of College Aid Pro, appeared on a recent Fox News update with Heather Sullivan, where he provided critical updates and practical advice for student loan borrowers and college-bound families, bringing some calm to the storm. His expertise in college funding strategies and student loan systems makes him and College Aid Pro an important resource for families during this unexpected shake-up in U.S. education policy.
A Trusted Voice in Uncertain Times
During the interview, Carpenter addressed the major issue on everyone’s mind: What happens now that income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are frozen? Currently, four IDR plans—affecting over 8 million borrowers—have been halted due to a recent federal court ruling. These plans, which base monthly student loan payments on a borrower’s income, have served as lifelines for individuals earning modest incomes.
“These repayment plans are essential, especially for borrowers with limited earnings,” Carpenter explained. “One borrower we spoke to had their monthly payment jump from $95 to $350 with almost no notice.”
The Department of Education is no longer responding directly to borrower concerns, so Carpenter urges borrowers to contact their loan servicers directly—though he acknowledges that even this is proving extremely difficult. In the absence of clear federal support, persistence is key. “There’s no magic trick to it,” he said. “Sometimes hitting zero repeatedly when calling can get you through faster, but otherwise, it’s just hours on hold.”
Interested in watching the full Fox News of Houston interview? Click Here
Is the FAFSA Still Available?
With the recent Department of Education changes, students and families are also asking: Is the FAFSA form still available? For now, Matt reassures families that it is, although it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
“Within hours of the [Dept. of Ed.] layoffs, the FAFSA portal went down for most of the day. Nobody could submit the form, make corrections, or even add a school,” said Carpenter. “We’re telling our audience to expect a bumpy ride. It’s not going away this year, but it will be frustrating.”
Despite the challenges, core federal aid programs such as Pell Grants, Direct Student Loans, and PLUS Loans, will remain available for the 2025-2026 academic year. Carpenter warns, however, that major changes could be coming in future years, and families should stay alert.
What Borrowers Can Do Now?
With many borrowers falling behind on their loans, the conversation turned to forbearance and deferment options. Unfortunately, Carpenter noted that even requesting forbearance has become nearly impossible due to system-wide blocks and overwhelmed loan servicers.
“Some servicers are asking for hard copy requests via snail mail—that’s probably your best bet right now,” he advised.
While the current environment may feel hopeless, Matt Carpenter and College Aid Pro continue to provide much-needed clarity, tools, and personalized advice to students and families. With the goal of helping families maximize financial aid, compare college costs, and plan smarter borrowing strategies—a mission made more vital than ever amid government and department of education uncertainty.
Why College Aid Pro Stands Out
In a moment where trust in federal systems is wavering, families need independent, expert guidance to talk them through the noise. Founded by Matt Carpenter, College Aid Pro blends financial planning tools with expert human insight, helping students make informed decisions without overpaying for college.
The platform is used by families, college counselors, and financial planners alike, offering personalized award analysis, SAI (Student Aid Index) estimators, and side-by-side college cost comparisons.
Whether you’re applying for college, navigating repayment, or trying to figure out your next step during this Department of Education shake-up, College Aid Pro is an expert resource you can turn to.
Key Takeaways from Matt Carpenter’s Interview:
- Income-driven repayment plans are frozen—8 million borrowers affected.
- Contact your loan servicer directly; expect long wait times.
- FAFSA is still available but facing technical issues—expect delays.
- Forbearance may be possible, but the process is heavily disrupted.
- College Aid Pro offers reliable tools and guidance amid the chaos.
Need Help Navigating Financial Aid and Student Loans?
Visit College Aid Pro for expert advice, free tools, and personalized college funding solutions.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. And trust experts like Matt Carpenter and College Aid Pro to help you make smart decisions in uncertain times.
