questions & answers

Is There Any Way To Minimize Student Loan Debt While In School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Even after all the scholarships, grants, and federal aid, your college costs still may not be fully covered. Many students have to take out student loans to afford their college education. That also means having to spend years after graduation paying off that loan with interest. But with some thought and planning, you can minimize …

questions & answers

When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 17, 2024

As you start to think about attending college in the coming years, you’re often presented with the question: when to start visiting colleges? While there’s no single “best” time to begin your campus tours, there are a few recommendations depending on where you are in your college search. Below, we highlight why it’s important to …

tips tools & advice

Why Students Drop Out of College: How to do it Right (If You Must)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

College is a huge investment in terms of both time and money. No student begins college with the intention of giving up and dropping out. Unfortunately, despite their best intentions, some students drop out of college. Knowing the most common reasons college students quit school can help you be more aware of the pitfalls and …

myths

Believing In These Two Student Loan Repayment Myths Can Cost You

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With several myths about student loan repayment floating around, it can often become difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are two of the more common student loans repayment myths that college students believe in because they offer some sort of hope. Unfortunately, believing in these falsehoods can cost you considerably. Student Loan Repayment Myth …

student loans

Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Decide To Refinance Your Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Most reasons to refinance your student loans are valid. It allows you to lower your interest rate, which will in turn reduce the monthly payments you have to make. Refinancing can also allow you to negotiate newer and more favorable terms for your student loans. So, it does make sense to go ahead and refinance …

financial aid

Common FAFSA Errors Parents Make

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Considering your FAFSA application will ultimately impact the amount of financial assistance you may receive, it is crucial to make sure that it is filled carefully, correctly and completely. If there are mistakes or missing information, your child may not get the complete financial assistance that they are entitled to. Make sure to avoid these …

questions & answers

Understanding Work-Study Income and Navigating the Tax Maze

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 20, 2026

Key Takeaways Work-study earnings are taxable, but they won’t impact your financial aid eligibility. You may be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) which allows you to claim up to $2,500 per school year. You will use your W-2 form given by your employer to fill out your federal and state taxes each …

questions & answers

Is It Possible To Save For A House While Paying Off Student Loan Debt?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Owning your own home is part of the American dream, but how can you even think about realizing this dream when more than half your salary goes towards paying off your student loan for several years after your graduation? More and more borrowers are putting a hold on their dreams while struggling to stay out …

student loans

Do Your Student Loans Affect Your Approval for Other Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

Unfortunately, there’s no one clear answer to this question. Whether student loans affect your other loan approvals ultimately depends on your debt to income ratio at the time of applying for the loan. When creditors try to determine if they should loan you money, they look at your debt to income ratio among other indicators. …