College Raptor Staff

financial aid

50+ Common Discounts for College Students

Key Takeaway: From covering tuition to the cost of living, college is expensive—but student discounts can help relieve some of that burden. Wondering if your favorite brands offer student discounts? We’ve broken down 50 student discounts into these categories: Tech & Software Entertainment Food & Dining Transportation Insurance Cell Phones Memberships & Subscriptions Retail Fitness …
Save money with money saving apps for college students
financial advice & planning

Budgets Made Easy: The Best Free Budgeting Apps

“Where did my paycheck disappear to?” If you’ve ever found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. Let’s be honest, keeping track of spending, paying off credit card debt, and saving for future goals is a LOT—especially as a college student. Budgeting will make it feel much more manageable. A good budget helps you control …
FAFSA Application Forms.
financial aid

35 Interesting FAFSA Stats All Students Should Know

As a college planning platform, we talk a lot about FAFSA. And while it’s commonly recommended that EVERY student fills out the FAFSA, only around 50% actually do. That means another 50% of students attending higher education are likely leaving potential aid on the table. We thought it would be interesting to cover some of …
A student writing his college application essay.
student life, tips tools & advice

Debating the Art of Persuasion: How To Write an Argumentative Essay (With Example)

Key Takeaways A strong argumentative essay uses credible evidence, logical reasoning, and counterarguments to create a well-rounded paper. Before you start writing your argumentative essay, you’ll need to do thorough research and create an outline that details how you’ll support your main topic. To help you prepare for writing your next essay, read the example …
college search

Exploring Vocational Schools Near Me

Vocational schools train students for career-ready jobs in fields like nursing, culinary arts, IT, cosmetology, automotive technology, electrical work, plumbing, and construction. To find vocational schools that are right for you, you should research thoroughly online, check their accreditation, consider job placement rates, read reviews, and visit in person if possible. Vocational schools typically cost …
student life

AI Applications in Education: A Real Life Student Use Case

Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, students everywhere have been using AI in and out of the classroom for help studying, assistance with homework assignments, as a proofreading tool, and so on. While AI has proven to be an invaluable asset to students everywhere – able to simplify tasks and generate ideas and responses …
People holding speech bubbles - here's how to find scholarships by asking.
financial advice & planning, financial aid

Empowering Students: The Importance of Financial Aid Awareness Month

Every February, Financial Aid Awareness Month rolls around to remind us just how life-changing financial aid is for college-bound students and their families. This initiative is about opening up opportunities that bring your college dreams closer to reality. It’s the bridge that connects your ambitions to possibilities through grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Financial …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.