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.
City of St. Louis
financial aid

State Grants for Missouri Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
Until just recently, Missouri did not have any grant programs for its students, but that has changed! The state now has several grants and scholarship programs to help make college more affordable within its borders. Below is an overview of some of the programs available, plus additional resources to help you find more information about …
2024 university rankings

Top 25 Best Mid-East Colleges in the US (2024)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 12, 2023
From New York to DC, there are plenty of amazing schools, colleges, and universities in the mid-East. Some of the country’s oldest and best schools can be found here. The area itself is known for its history, vibrant cities, cultural diversity, and educational and professional opportunities. The top 25 best colleges in the mid-East rankings …
A student standing in front of a whiteboard with their back facing the camera.
questions & answers

What is the difference between a major and minor in college?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 4, 2025
Key takeaways: A major is an undergraduate student’s specific and main area of study, while a minor is a supplemental selection of courses based on goals or interests. Students typically have to declare a major to graduate with a bachelor’s, but a minor is rarely necessary. Choosing the right major (and potential minor) can impact …
College student filing her FAFSA on her phone and laptop.
financial aid

2024-2025 FAFSA Changes: What You Should Know About!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 2, 2023
Due to the FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2021, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been undergoing some major changes in the past year. And it’s set to undergo some more for the 2024-2025 award year! This upcoming FAFSA is the biggest overhaul yet of the system, so students and their families …
majors & industries

The 5 easiest and hardest majors in college

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 14, 2026
Key takeaways: “Easy” and “hard” is subjective – students should consider their strengths, weaknesses, skills, and interests when selecting a college major. Commonly-named “easy” majors include Psychology, Education, and English. Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics are often considered as “difficult” majors. Stressed thinking about your potential college major? You’re not alone. With so many to choose …
questions & answers

Educational Bucket List – 10 Places to Visit in The US

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 17, 2023
Love traveling? Love learning? How about combining the two? From big, historically rich cities to beautiful national parks, check out our bucket list of 10 must-visit places in the US. These are amazing trips for students and families to not only have fun but learn something too! 10 Bucket List Places to Visit in the …
There are both advantages and disadvantages to studying in a group vs studying alone.
college news & trends

Using ChatGPT for Ideation and Other Ethical Use Cases

By Hilary CairnsPublished on June 6, 2023
ChatGPT has definitely been front and center recently, both in the academic and professional worlds. While it can be useful for assignments, work, and more, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for doing the work yourself. However, there are ways to ethically use ChatGPT to elevate your skills. Here are some must-know facts about …
White calculator over a paper.
tips tools & advice

5 Great Calculators for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 15, 2026
Whether you’re taking college courses in high school or starting your first year of college, you need a calculator you can rely on! This list of calculators will help you find the perfect match for your needs, wants, and budget, including some additional information on what you should look for in a calculator for your …

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