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!
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 …
Rolled dollar bill - save money on the cost of college education
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 …
A stack of bills with a graduation cap sitting on top.
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 …
Emmanuel College chapel - religious colleges
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 …
College student with money
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 …
How do you find the best majors for you?
majors & industries

Best Design Your Own Major Programs

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Not sure what you want to major in? Or perhaps several majors sound good to you? Or maybe your desired career needs a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B when it comes to your education? No matter which category you fall into, you have options! One choice is to …
A student at graduation, considering Earnest student loan refinance
financial aid

State Grants for Arkansas Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 28, 2023
The state of Arkansas has several grants available to college students! If you’re planning on studying in Arkansas, these are definitely awards you should check out! Arkansas College Grants Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship awards different amounts depending on the students’ year in college, varying from $1,000 for first years to …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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