January 6, 2026

Finding Your Path To A Degree with La Toro Yates

Education can take different paths for different students. In this episode, La Toro Yates, the Vice President of Enrollment at Kean University, describes how to find your path.

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About the episode

In this episode, Vice President of Enrollment at Kean University La Toro Yates discusses how higher education is not one-size-fits-all. College costs are often misunderstood, and while sticker prices can be high, pathways such as community colleges, in-state public universities, and transfer options can significantly reduce costs. La Toro describes how financial literacy can help families determine what amount of loans can be ‘healthy.’ He also goes in-depth on how financial decisions can affect life after graduation.

Yates also discusses transfer students, adult learners, and equity in college access. He explains how transfer articulation agreements work to minimize lost credits and why earning an associate degree before transferring can provide both financial and academic benefits. The discussion closes with practical advice for seniors and families: focus on what you can control, finish applications early, visit campuses, and prioritize finding the right academic, financial, and community fit.

Mentioned in this episode

Kean Global – Kean University’s resource hub for transfer students and students over 25

Host

Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut.Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Guest

La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

La Toro Yates is the Vice President for Enrollment Services at Kean University. He has worked in enrollment at York College of the City University of New York and at CUNY Hostos Community College, where he served as Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management.