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 …

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 …

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 …

questions & answers, tips tools & advice

Considerations for Choosing a Dorm vs an Apartment

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 7, 2023

When it’s time to head to college, you might be presented with the question, “Should I dorm or get an apartment?” A majority of 4-year colleges and universities do require first-year students to remain on campus, but upperclassmen and students attending schools without this requirement have options. Below we cover the differences between dorms and …

financial aid

State Grants for North Dakota

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 7, 2023

Are you thinking about staying in your home state of North Dakota and attending college? The state offers a few different financial aid programs to help its students afford the cost of higher education. We outlined a few of them below, plus provided links to additional resources and information about these programs. North Dakota State …

student loans

How to Speed up the Lending Process (And Why it Matters)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 12, 2025

When comparing loans and lenders, you might be looking at the principal amount and the interest rates first and foremost – as you should. You want to be sure you’re getting a loan that fits your financial needs without having an astronomical interest rate. But one factor you might be overlooking in your comparison? Lending …

college news & trends

6 Important College Admissions Trends for 2023

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 28, 2023

No two years of college admissions are alike! The landscape is constantly changing, and students who are applying need to be aware of the ongoing trends to ensure they have the best chance of being accepted. Here are 7 college admissions trends you should be aware of for 2023. 6 Trends in College Admissions 1. …

financial aid

Sibling Discount for College Going Away in 2024-2025 FAFSA

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 26, 2025

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is undergoing a number of changes and revisions for the 2024-2025 academic year. Being released in December 2023, some of the adjustments are making it easier for families and students to be eligible for the Pell Grant. However, in previous renditions of the FAFSA, the Department of …

financial aid

State Grants for New Mexico Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025

Are you planning to stay and go to college in New Mexico? Good news! New Mexico residents have quite a few state grants that can be used to make college more affordable. Keep reading to see the qualifications of some of them, plus more information about the state’s financial aid programs. New Mexico Grants 1. …