College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!
fed loans
financial aid

Everything You Need to Know About the CSS Financial Aid Profile

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2025
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application offered by the College Board and used by around 270 participating colleges, universities, and scholarship programs. The CSS Profile asks for more information than the FAFSA, which could result in additional institutional financial aid for students who complete the application. Students should submit the FAFSA even if …
A group of people putting their hands together.
questions & answers

Should I Attend Community College First?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most community colleges are two-year institutions. There are many reasons that attending community college for two years and then transferring to a 4-year university is a good idea. However, there may be a few circumstances in which choosing this path may not be beneficial for you. Understanding the benefits and downsides of attending community college …
student loan interest rates
student loans

The Importance Of Student Loan Interest Rates

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2025
When you take out a student loan, you have to pay it back with interest. Think of interest as the cost of borrowing money. As you’re applying for a student loan—either federal or private—you’ll come across an interest rate. In fact, the interest rate is one of the most important elements of a student loan. …
Calculator - student loan interest rates are calculated differently based on the type of loan
questions & answers

How Are Student Loan Interest Rates Calculated?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
If you took out student loans, you know that you have deal with interest rates. Interest rates have a big affect on the overall cost of your student loan. But how the interest rates are calculated for each type of student loan? We outline the answers below: How Federal Loan Interest Rates are Calculated The …
A sunrise over an open grassy field, with wheat in the forefront.
student loans

Pros And Cons Of Paying Off Student Loans Early

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025
If you have the money, (maybe you got a generous birthday gift or a bonus at work), should you use it to pay off your student loan early or should you look into investing it? It’s a good, solid question and one that most new grads ask when they come into some extra money. The first …
federal student loan interest rate
questions & answers

Federal Student Loan Interest Subsidy: What Is It?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
When it is time to start repaying your federal student loans, if you are not earning enough to cover your monthly payments, you have the option of choosing an income-driven repayment plan. While researching these, you may have come across the term ‘federal student loan interest subsidy.’ Let’s dive into what that means. Income-Driven Repayment …
An assortment of coins - how to get out of student loan debt
student loans

How To Avoid Taking Out Too Much In Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
While many college students will graduate with some amount of debt, you should at least consider different ways in which to minimize your potential student loan debt. Here are 8 things you can do to help you reduce the amount you need to borrow towards the cost of college. How To Get Out Of Student …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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