Ellen Andersen

Ellen is a guest blogger for College Raptor. She is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa. She holds a BA in English with Creative Writing and Psychology. Her current focus is applying to the Fulbright Scholar program.
A five-dollar bill shown in a magnifying glass.
financial aid

Finding Extra Financial Aid as an Out-of-State Student

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on July 28, 2023
When searching for colleges and universities that interest you, affordability is often a large concern. Among private universities, it doesn’t much matter: they don’t receive state funding, and therefore charge their students the same for tuition regardless of which state they reside in. Public universities are different. Because they receive state funding that comes from …
college comparisons

Most Beautiful College Campuses in Autumn

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
While the beauty of a college campus does not necessarily inspire all students, it certainly can help lift students from the doldrums of daily homework. Many students enjoy being able to study outside during good weather, and the change of seasons—though signaling cooler weather—add bursts of brightness and magnificence to your walk to class. It’s …
Students on a challenging obstacle course as part of orientation.
college comparisons

5 Colleges with the Most Unique Orientation Programs

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Freshmen orientation programs are on the rise in today’s modern academia. The goal is often to provide a sense of belonging to new students, thereby encouraging them to continue at the institution for the rest of their college career. Of course, some of these college orientation programs are a little more interesting than others. For …
A background of bills with text that says "6 myths about student loans."
myths

6 Student Loan Myths

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Dealing with student loans can be overwhelming. And the many loan myths surrounding student loans only add to the stress and overwhelm. A lot of the fear about student loans stems from misconceptions that surround them. As a rule, when in doubt, always call your student loan servicer and ask. They are the most reliable …
college comparisons

Colleges that Fully Meet Financial Need

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
It is a well-established fact that the expense of attending college has grown over the past few decades. Where once our parents could work a part-time job and pay off college as they went, current students usually cannot. So it’s important to find colleges that work with students to lower the cost of attendance. Most …
college comparisons

Colleges with the Greatest Outdoor Trails

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
We all know how much time students spend indoors. There is so much to learn, so much to study, and in many states, you can’t really study outside for a large chunk of the year. Some students make a point to get outside to run, bike, or hike. Activities such as these provide breaks from …
As a student in a military family, the college search process can be tough.
college applications

The College Search Process for Military Families

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on November 28, 2023
Searching for colleges and universities can be a hard enough process for students who have lived the majority of their lives in their high school’s town. For those students with family members who had to move constantly, the process is even more difficult. However, the adversity of having a parent (or parents) in the armed …
Student walking infront of West Texas A&M University old main building.
college comparisons

Schools with Great Incentives for Out-of-State Students

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most states have incentives for college students to attract them from that state. Whether it’s scholarship or grant opportunities or dual-credit class programs, they are trying to get your attention. While some students prefer to stay close to home, there are those of us who want to go elsewhere, whether it’s because an out-of-state school …

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