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, scholarships

State Grants for Illinois Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
The state of Illinois has several grants available to students within the state. We’ll cover some of them below and supply further resources so you can get more information on financial aid available to Illinois students. Illinois College Grants 1. Monetary Award Program (MAP)  MAP is available to Illinois students who have demonstrated financial need …
Chart of SAT 2022-2023 dates.
ACT & SAT

How to Sign Up for the SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 7, 2023
So it’s time to take your SAT! Before you can actually sit for the exam, you do need to sign up for it. But how do you do that, and what do you need to know before you even register for the college entrance exam? We’ll cover everything you need to know about signing up …
A Carnegie Classification is mainly used for educational and research purposes in order to identify groups of comparable institutions.
questions & answers

Carnegie Classifications: What Do They Mean?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 22, 2024
‘Carnegie Classification’ is the shortened version of ‘Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’. The classification, for educational and research purposes, identifies groups of comparable institutions. Here’s the rundown on everything you need to know about Carnegie Classifications, how colleges and universities use them, and what they mean for you. History of the Carnegie Classification …
scholarships

State Grants for Idaho Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025
The state of Idaho offers a number of grants, scholarships, and programs that can help make college more affordable. Here are some details and resources to help you get started! Idaho College Grants 1. Idaho Opportunity Scholarship The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship awards up to $3,500 each academic year and it is renewable (for up to …
scholarships

State Grants for Hawaii Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
Hawaii does not have a Department of Higher Education, but they still have grants available to college students! Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning on attending college in the island state, and how you can find further information. Hawaii College Grants 1. UH Opportunity Grant For students who are attending the University …
college search, questions & answers

A Quick Guide to MicroMasters Programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
If you’re thinking about continuing your education and going after a Master’s, it may be worth your time (and money) to consider a MicroMasters Program instead. Here’s everything you need to know about these programs, how you can find them, and other must-know details. What is a MicroMasters Program? A MicroMasters program is a program …
Colleges for nontraditional students.
college search, tips tools & advice

Great Colleges for Nontraditional Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Are you planning on going back to college well after you graduated high school? It’s never too late! There are plenty of amazing colleges for nontraditional students out there. We cover some things you need to know about going to college as an older student and a few of the best colleges for nontraditional students …
financial aid, scholarships

State Grants for Georgia Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
Did you know that Georgia has several scholarship, grant, and loan programs available to its students? We cover just a few of them below, plus include some information on how you can get further details on Georgia’s programs! Georgia College Grants 1. HOPE Scholarship The HOPE scholarship is a merit-based award for Georgia students. The …
financial aid, scholarships

State college grants for Florida students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 10, 2026
Key takeaways: Florida has several state grants for its college students, including need-based and merit-based awards. Bright Futures is a merit-based scholarship which can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees at public institutions in the state. Most financial aid in Florida requires you to complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) and Free …

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