Hilary Cairns

Hilary Cairns is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and has a BA in English/Creative Writing. She's an established freelance writer who also has a hand in marketing, social media, and editing for various businesses across the United States.
financial aid

State Grants for Oklahoma for College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 15, 2023
For students planning to go to college in Oklahoma, the state has several different grants and scholarship programs to help make school more affordable. Keep reading to learn more about Oklahoma’s Promise, military scholarships, academic scholarships, and others. Oklahoma State Grants for College Students 1. Oklahoma’s Promise Oklahoma’s Promise is a program dedicated to helping …
financial aid

State Grants for Ohio College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 15, 2023
The state of Ohio has several state grants and financial aid programs available to students who decide to attend college in the state. Below, we’ve detailed some of these awards, how you can apply, and where you can find further information on financial aid programs and attending college in Ohio. Ohio State Grants 1. Choose …
College of William and Mary - Best Colleges in the Southeast
college comparisons

Your Guide to the Public Ivies

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 23, 2025
Key Takeaways: Ivy League schools are some of the most prestigious private institutions in the country. Public Ivies are public colleges and universities that offer comparable experiences to the eight Ivy League schools. Today, there are 30 Public Ivies, some of which include Michigan State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and the University of Arizona. The Ivy …
Consider doing financial awareness counseling after you took out a federal student loan
questions & answers

What happens to financial aid if you drop a class?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 8, 2025
Key takeaways Dropping a class could affect your financial aid package if you no longer meet enrollment status requirements. Withdrawing from a class rarely affects financial aid as long as you are completing more than ⅔ of your enrolled courses. If you lose financial aid, reach out to your school’s financial aid department to discuss …
Harvard University - Best Research Universities
college comparisons

Why is Harvard University a Top-Rated School?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 6, 2025
Key Takeaways: Harvard University was named the #2 Top Best College by College Raptor in 2026. Founded in 1636, the school has produced influential individuals, including CEOs, world leaders, and Olympians. Harvard is highly selective, but students can improve their admissions chances with a high GPA, rigorous schedule, and well-rounded application. Year after year, Harvard …
Colorado State -- Best College Rec Centers
college comparisons

Top 25 Best Sustainable Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 11, 2023
Sustainability has been an important topic for people, businesses, and colleges in recent years, especially in the face of climate change. If sustainability is important to you, you plan on entering the energy industry, or you just want to make sure you’re leaving less of a mark on the earth, you might want to consider …