tips tools & advice

30 Great Grad Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Graduate

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 15, 2026

The time has come to honor your favorite graduate! After all the dedication and hard work they’ve put in, this major life milestone deserves to be celebrated in a meaningful way. But how do you give a gift that shows just how proud you are of someone for graduating? Whether you opt for something practical, …

financial advice & planning

Common Credit Report Errors and How to Correct Them

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 19, 2023

Your credit report is an important document that reflects your financial history and impacts your ability to get credit or secure favorable interest rates. Common errors on your credit report damage your credit score and have an adverse effect on your overall financial health.  Unfortunately, no matter how meticulous you are, your credit report could …

student loans

4 Reasons Lender Longevity Matters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025

There are several factors you need to take into consideration when looking for student loans. To start with, you’ll need to compare interest rates and fees so you can find the lowest-cost loan. You also need to look into each lender’s terms and conditions, protections, and penalties. There’s one other factor that not many people …

financial advice & planning

10 Good Money Habits to Help Build Financial Stability

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2025

Forming and maintaining good money habits is sometimes easier said than done. But it’s essential to your financial stability and ultimate success. Let’s look at two scenarios.  Consider this – The latest iPhone has just been launched. You don’t need it but you really want it. Besides, you have some spare cash and can afford …

financial advice & planning

Financial Literacy for College Students: How to Find, Budget, and Save Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2025

With college comes great responsibility. Yup, that includes money matters. For most college students, you’ll become more and more responsible for handling your money. That means figuring out how to get the money you need, where to get it from, and how to make it last. This is where financial literacy comes in. Financial literacy …

financial advice & planning

5 Ways To Help Your Child Build Credit Before College

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 16, 2023

Credit history is a vital aspect of your child’s financial journey. It determines whether they’ll be able to secure low-interest rates on student loans in the immediate future. After college, it will continue to impact their ability to secure competitive rates on personal and vehicle loans, credit cards, and mortgages. An individual’s credit history could …

college search

Do Community Colleges Have Dorms?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 6, 2023

A majority of community colleges do not have dorms available to their students. While there are definitely exceptions, they are rare. Most 4-year colleges and universities offer some sort of student housing. Here’s a deeper dive into why community colleges don’t tend to have dorms, plus a rundown of your other options if you need …

scholarships

20 No Essay Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 13, 2025

Key Takeaways As the name suggests, ‘no essay’ scholarships do not require an essay, meaning they are generally easier and faster to apply for. No essay scholarships can be competitive, so it’s important that you meet all requirements, maintain a high GPA, participate in extracurriculars, and complete your FAFSA form before applying for scholarships. Scholarships …

student life

Choosing a Roommate: Friend or Randomly Assigned

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 5, 2023

Getting a roommate assignment (or choosing one if you are allowed) while you’re in college is one of the most exciting things! It’s a friend you get to live with, share meals with, and share everything together! For some, that doesn’t sound as exciting but when you’re living with the right roommates, it can be. …