hidden gems 2024

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Great Lakes Region | 2024 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 23, 2023

The Great Lakes are so impressive that they get a section of the US named after them. In addition to its thousands of lakes, it’s also home to some amazing schools. For this year’s Hidden Gem colleges in The Great Lakes, we wanted to highlight some of the small but mighty colleges and universities that …

hidden gems 2024

Hidden Gem Colleges in the Plains Region | 2024 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 23, 2023

America’s heartland (or, the Plains region as we call it) is vast, fertile, and filled with various industries. Additionally, it’s home to a bunch of amazing colleges. These colleges are standouts for a reason, and, while they may not be household names, they’re definitely worth a look when you want to further your education. These …

college search, questions & answers

What is Competency-Based Education (CBE)?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 25, 2023

A college education is a privilege that many students hope to experience during their academic journey. However, the traditional learning style of college doesn’t work for everyone and can discourage some from pursuing higher education and their dream careers. So, what can someone do if they desire a college education but need a different approach?  …

ACT & SAT

How Long Is The SAT? Tips For Managing Time on Test Day

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 25, 2023

The paper SAT test is three hours long, not counting breaks and the test consists of 154 questions. Knowing how long the SAT takes and understanding how the test is structured will give you a better idea of how much time you can spend on each section. And, we’ve got some time management tips for …

questions & answers

What Is the Difference Between Trade School and College?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 24, 2023

Choosing your next step after high school can be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of options for students now. From trade school and college to going into the military, it’s important to know what each route entails to see if it’s right for you.  Particularly, knowing the difference between trade school and college can change …

financial advice & planning, questions & answers

College Affordability: How Community College Can Help Fill the Gap

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 14, 2023

Financial stress and college affordability is a huge factor when choosing where to further your education. In fact, 70% of teens in 2023 (vs. 61% in 2022) have financial concerns about pursuing higher education.  This begs the question: Is making college affordable a real option for upcoming and current college students? We believe the answer …

Redefining the Best: College Raptor Releases the Nation’s Top 50 Best Colleges and Introduces New Ranking Categories for 2024

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 13, 2023

New Rankings Include ‘Best D3 Colleges,’ and ‘Best Easier-to-Get-Into Colleges’ with updated lists for ‘Best HBCUs’ and ‘Best Colleges for Middle-Income Affordability’ July 13, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time PROVIDENCE, R.I. & IOWA CITY, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–College Raptor, the most comprehensive college search site and a wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens, today released its ninth …

2024 university rankings

Top 25 Best Far West Colleges in the US (2024)

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 12, 2023

The states in the Western part of the US have some of the most diverse wildlife, landscapes, culture, and foods that can be found in the country. Spanning some of the most southern points to the northern points of the country, this should come as no surprise! The states that make up the far west …

2024 university rankings

Top 25 Best Rocky Mountain Colleges in the US (2024)

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 12, 2023

The Rocky Mountains, also known as the Rockies, are as impressive as the states they span. This region offers beautiful vistas, unique wildlife, challenging hikes, and great skiing, but the states also offer amazing schools and educational opportunities. For this list, we’re including the following states in the Rocky Mountain region: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, …