January 20, 2026

Redefining College Value with Bill DeBaun

Students often make their college choices based off rankings, but how closely are these rankings tied to student outcomes? In this episode, Bill DeBaun offers some new ways to find an ideal college fit.

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About this episode

In this episode, Bill DeBaun, the Senior Director of Data and Strategic Initiatives at the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), pushes for new ways to define college value. He describes flaws in the current college rankings systems and encourages students to look beyond prestige to find their ideal fit. He also promotes alternative pathways to higher education, stressing the importance of a post-secondary education, whether it’s a four-year degree, two-year degree, or certificate.

He also discusses the “enrollment cliff” and how it could shift college recruitment, financial aid leverage, and transfer pathways, especially from community colleges and returning adult learners. He ends the episode with some practical next steps for students and families.

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

Bill DeBaun

Bill DeBaun is NCAN’s Senior Director, Data and Strategic Initiatives. In that role, he engages in policy research, data analysis, and resource development aimed at improving students’ college and career outcomes. DeBaun provides technical assistance around college access and success data usage, practice, and policy to community-based organizations, K-12 districts and schools, state agencies, and other key stakeholders.