For Colleges & Universities
For Colleges & Universities

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.
Some internships offer college credits as compensation.
questions & answers

Types of College Credits

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 2, 2026
Key takeaways: Each college class is worth a set number of college credits, or credit hours, often ranging from one to four. You need 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s, which usually includes 60 general elective, 30 major, and 30 elective credits. A full-time student takes an average of 12 credit hours per semester, but …
Public Speaking to an audience.
college admissions, questions & answers

How to Be a Better Public Speaker

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 20, 2026
Key takeaways Becoming a better public speaker takes preparation and practice. Strong public speaking skills can improve your communication skills and career opportunities. Being nervous about public speaking is normal, but the right techniques, like knowing your audience and engagement tactics can help. Your body language and delivery can help you give a good presentation. …
Student studying to earn college credits in high school.
college admissions

5 Ways to Earn College Credits in High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Who says you have to wait for your first year of college to get a start on your degree? You can get a head start on your college credits while still in high school! We’ll cover just five in this article but there may be additional options available to you depending on where you are …
Trade job plumber inspecting job.
careers & internships

10 High Paying Trade Jobs (No Degree Needed)!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 9, 2026
Key takeaways: Some high-paying trade jobs that typically don’t require a degree include boilermaker, aircraft mechanic, and nuclear power reactor operator. Trade careers usually require certification, paid apprenticeship, a trade school education, or a combination of the three. Trade schools and apprenticeships cover hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare students for the workforce in …
financial aid

Types of college financial aid that don’t have to be paid back

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 19, 2026
Key takeaways: Scholarships, grants, and money from work-study programs are types of college financial aid that typically don’t have to be paid back. Apply for these awards by completing the FAFSA, using scholarship databases, visiting your colleges’ financial aid office websites, and researching your state’s programs. Student loans almost always need to be paid back, …
FAFSA Application Forms.
financial aid

7 Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives you access to different types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. However, making a mistake on your FAFSA application can cost you money, especially if you require need-based aid to attend. Unfortunately, these errors are not uncommon. Every year, hundreds of students lose …
The color most commonly found in nature, green represents balance, harmony, peace, and rest.
college search, student life

8 Great Eco Friendly Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022
Sustainability and other eco-friendly strategies are more important than ever. From recycling to solar energy to lower carbon footprints, there are plenty of ways colleges have started to ramp up their approach to being “green.” So, what are some of the schools that are focusing more on green and eco-friendly solutions and strategies? Here are …

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