Media Spotlight: Department of Education, FAFSA, & Financial Aid Updates Explained by Expert Matt Carpenter on KCBS All News Radio

Department of Education & FAFSA Explained by Expert Matt Carpenter on KCBS Radio

With news circulating that President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, families across the country are left wondering: What happens to FAFSA and federal student aid?

To unpack this developing situation, KCBS All News Radio spoke with Matt Carpenter, Co-Founder of College Aid Pro, who offered insights into what families can expect in the short term and how to take control of the financial aid process going forward.

FAFSA: Still Funded, But With Possible Delays

According to Carpenter, while federal aid has not been cut, the delivery and support systems surrounding FAFSA may take a hit.

“Within 24 hours of the federal layoffs, 50% of the Department of Education being laid off, the FAFSA became inaccessible,” said Carpenter. “They shut it down because a lot of those [laid off] were technical folks.”

Although the system was brought back online within a day, this disruption serves as a warning sign for what may lie ahead such as clunky processes, longer wait times, and reduced federal support.

What This Means:

  • FAFSA is still operational—for now.
  • Delays or outages could become more frequent.
  • Technical and support roles tied to FAFSA are at risk.
  • Students and parents will need to be more self-reliant.

No Immediate Changes to Federal Student Aid for Class of 2025

The good news? Matt emphasizes that students graduating in 2025 shouldn’t expect major changes to their financial aid packages this year.

“We don’t expect any radical shifts in terms of the actual disbursement of parent loans, student loans, and the major factors the federal government plays,” Carpenter said.

But that doesn’t mean families should relax. Carpenter urges families to shift away from a passive approach and instead take ownership of the financial planning process.

Are you ready to take control of your college planning journey? Listen to more of Matt’s insights on his podcast. 

Top 4 Tips for Navigating Financial Aid & the College Planning Process

Carpenter offers several actionable strategies for families preparing for college:

1. Get Educated on Financial Aid Processes: Don’t rely solely on colleges or the federal government to walk you through the process. Learn how FAFSA works, understand deadlines, and stay informed about policy changes.

2. Compare Financial Aid Offers: Each college may offer different levels of aid. Research which institutions are historically generous with scholarships or need-based assistance.

3. Shop for Student Loans: Just like shopping for a mortgage, comparing student loan rates can save you thousands in the long run. He urges listeners to not accept the first offer blindly. 

“Only 10% of families actually shop for the best rate,” Carpenter noted.

4. Use Trusted Tools and Platforms: While College Aid Pro offers comprehensive guidance, Carpenter acknowledges there are many resources available. The key is to stay proactive and resourceful.

Will This Affect Scholarships or Tuition Rates?

Many parents are concerned that a slowdown in federal disbursement might impact scholarship offers or tuition pricing. According to Carpenter, that’s unlikely in the short term.

“Colleges are going to continue business as usual. If there’s a delay in federal disbursements, it’s the colleges who will be sweating, not the parents.”

In fact, he sees a potential silver lining: If delays in federal aid become more frequent, colleges may be forced to adjust pricing—potentially leading to more competitive tuition rates.

Key Takeaway: Be Your Own Advocate

The financial aid landscape may be shifting, but the most powerful strategy remains the same: take charge of your college planning journey.

“Nobody’s coming to our rescue here,” Carpenter said. “We have to be engaged and make great decisions.”

Listen to Matt Carpenter’s Full 5-Minute Breakdown of Financial Aid Policy Changes

🎧 Listen to the Full Interview Here
Duration: 5 minutes
Guest: Matt Carpenter, Founder of College Aid Pro

Platform: KCBS All News Radio in San Francisco 

Topic: What the shutdown of the Department of Education could mean for FAFSA and financial aid.

📌 Final Thoughts

While there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Department of Education, one thing is clear: families need to be more informed and proactive than ever.

Start planning early, ask questions, compare your options, and don’t assume the system will take care of you. As Matt Carpenter says, this is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—own it.

📥 Need Help Navigating FAFSA or Financial Aid?
Visit College Aid Pro to learn more about tools, resources, and personalized college financial planning.