hidden gems 2023

Most Affordable Hidden Gem Colleges for the Middle Class | 2023 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

It’s no secret that college can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean “not affordable.” This year, College Raptor wanted to highlight some hidden gem colleges that are most affordable for the middle class. We rank the most affordable colleges based on the estimated net price at each institution for a “typical” middle-class family. We defined …

financial advice & planning

Having the College Money Talk: The $ vs. The College Choice

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

Choosing which college to apply to can be a daunting undertaking. There are about 5,300 colleges and universities in the U.S. The Programs, facilities and total cost of attending can vary significantly from one institution to another. How does a student choose which college to attend? Is a small liberal arts college a better choice …

questions & answers, tips tools & advice

Stackable Credentials: A New College Trend

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

The traditional way of earning college credits is changing as stackable credentials are introduced to the world of education. Stackable credentials are different from your normal college courses since they are meant to be completed in a shorter amount of time and are done without a degree-seeking program. The mini-course can then be used with …

financial advice & planning, scholarships

Alternative College Funding: Ways to Pay Without Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 1, 2025

Key takeaways: Many take out student loans to help afford the cost of college, which averages $38,270 every year. Some alternatives to student loans include scholarships and grants, work-study, and savings. Complete the FAFSA each year to be considered for federal grants and institutional scholarships, which don’t have to be paid back. With the rising …

financial advice & planning, financial aid

Ballooning Tuition Fees: How To Meet The Steep Cost Of College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

For many students across America, the steep cost of tuition is the biggest deterrent to attending college. With tuition fees increasing every year and no corresponding increase in income, the cost of college becomes even more unaffordable every consecutive year. Most students are forced to take on thousands of dollars in student loans to cover …

student loans

4 “Don’t Miss Dates” For Student Loan Forgiveness

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

Student loan forgiveness has been on everyone’s mind since President Biden took office. Borrowers across the country finally got their wish when President Biden announced his long-awaited student loan forgiveness plan on August 24, 2020. The plan will forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loans for millions of middle-income to low-income borrowers. Borrowers who …

questions & answers

Do You Have to Be Religious to Attend a Religiously Affiliated School?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

Contrary to what the name implies, you don’t have to be religious to attend a religiously affiliated school. Religiously affiliated schools typically have diverse student cohorts just like any other secular school. These schools accept students who are non-religious as well as students from other religions. So, what exactly is a religiously affiliated school and …

scholarships, student loans

State Grants for California Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 28, 2023

California has several college grants and financial aid programs for its students and parents. Here’s a list of some of them to get you started. California College Grants Cal Grant These California grants (which do not have to be repaid) are for students who are going after an undergraduate degree, attending a vocational school or …

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. to Acquire College Raptor

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 10, 2023

Expands Advice and Insight Capabilities to Help Families Plan for College IOWA CITY, Iowa & PROVIDENCE, R.I– Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CFG) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire online college planning platform College Raptor, Inc. Terms were not disclosed. College Raptor, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Iowa City, is an innovative college planning …