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740. DECODING STUDENT LOANS

740. DECODING STUDENT LOANS

Author: Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin July 14, 2026 Duration: 29:32
Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
EducationCourses

Paying for college poses serious challenges for most families, but should understanding the rules around borrowing really be one of the hardest parts? Amy and Mike invited financial aid expert Will McGinley to offer guidance into decoding student loans.

What are five things you will learn in this episode?

  1. Why are student loans such an important topic?

  2. How much do students borrow on average for their undergraduate degrees?

  3. What is the difference between federal DL, PLUS, and Private education loans?

  4. Which student loan option is best for most students?

  5. When should someone start applying for their loans?

MEET OUR GUEST

Will McGinley is an Account Executive for the PHEAA Keystone and PA Forward student loan programs. He brings nearly 20 years of financial aid experience to the role, most recently serving at Baldwin Wallace University, Ashland University, and Liberty University, in roles ranging from loan processing to Director of Financial Aid. His career has provided extensive experience presenting to students, families, and higher education colleagues on a variety of topics, including financial literacy, the financial aid process, and gap financing. He has also served on committees for the NCAA and OASFAA. 

Will and his wife of 19 years enjoy spending time with their 2 teenage sons, coaching, hiking, and playing with their French bulldog, Pierre.

Will can be reached at William.Mcginley@pheaa.org.

LINKS

EducationPlanner.org

MySmartBorrowing.org

Keystone Student Loans

RELATED EPISODES

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENT LOANS

THE TRUTH ABOUT STUDENT LOAN DEBT

THE PRICE YOU REALLY PAY FOR COLLEGE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR COLLEGE TUITION BILL

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, get in touch through our contact page.

 


Navigating the complex world of college admissions can feel like a maze with ever-shifting walls. Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast, hosted by Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin, serves as a reliable guide through that maze. Instead of generic advice, their conversations delve into the nuanced realities of testing, admissions strategies, learning differences, and broader educational trends. They bring in leading experts to provide depth and clarity on the issues that matter most right now. Whether you're a parent trying to support your student, a counselor shaping guidance, or an educator within the system, this podcast offers substantive discussion that goes beyond the surface. Each episode aims to demystify the process, offering practical insights and thoughtful analysis. You'll hear honest talk about standardized tests, application essays, financial aid, and the many factors that shape decisions on both sides of the admissions desk. For anyone invested in understanding the journey to higher education-from students to consultants-this is a vital resource. Tune in for a consistently informative and straightforward take on an industry that affects so many futures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
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