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.
A large commercial jet taking off.
majors & industries

4 Great Undergraduate Majors for an Aviation Career

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re thinking about going after a career in aviation or aiming to become a pilot, you may be wondering what undergraduate major to go after. These four majors for an aviation career could be exactly what you need to reach your goals. Aviation This is the most commonly chosen major for those going after …
Student thinking about offer letters
myths

3 Big College Financial Aid Offer Myths

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023
So you have your financial aid letters in hand. Do you fully understand what they say, and know the terms and conditions of the offer? Many students don’t and realize they’ve made a mistake after acceptance – some don’t realize until years down the line! Here are some debunked financial aid offer myths to help …
majors & industries

College Majors for a Career in Architecture

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Architects, depending on the specialty, can earn between $50,000 and $150,000 a year (or more in some cases) Is it a career you are considering? You have a couple of options when it comes to undergraduate majors, but you’ll want to be sure you’re taking the right courses to give yourself your best chance of …
Graduating students in red robes and caps sitting together.
financial advice & planning

5 Great Things to Do With Your Graduation Money

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 28, 2023
Congratulations on graduating high school! Many graduates receive money from their parents or relatives before heading off to college. Have you made plans for the money yet? If you’re not quite sure what to spend your graduation money on, here are four ideas that could prove beneficial. #1: Put the Money Towards College There’s no …
College student researching financial aid on her laptop at campus.
scholarships

What can I use scholarship money for and how do I use it?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 4, 2025
Key Takeaways: Scholarships can cover many education-related costs, including tuition, room and board, and supplies. Some organizations restrict how you can use scholarship money, limiting you to tuition or a similar expense. Always read over the terms before accepting an award to better understand how to spend the money and how you’ll receive it. Scholarships …
High school student playing soccer as an extracurricular activity
majors & industries

Undergraduate Majors for a Physical Therapy Career

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Thinking about becoming a physical therapist? Although you need a Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT), your education needs to start somewhere. This is a competitive field and growing, so a good undergraduate degree can help you get into top schools and give you a foundation needed for success. Here are just undergraduate majors for a …
Student thinking about offer letters
financial aid

What You Should Know about Front-Loaded Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students rely on financial aid in order to attend college, but. While researching financial aid, you may have come across the term “front-loaded.” But what is it? Is it good or bad? Are there other options available? Here’s what you need to know about this front-loaded financial aid. What is Front-Loaded Financial Aid? Front-loaded …

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