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

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 CairnsPublished on August 2, 2023
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. …
College campus.
financial aid

Sibling Discount for College Going Away in 2024-2025 FAFSA

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
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 …
University of New Mexico football field.
financial aid

State Grants for New Mexico Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
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. …
Rutgers University Campus.
financial aid

State Grants for New Jersey Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
The state of New Jersey offers several grants and scholarships to resident students planning to stay in the state for college! Below is a list of some of them, plus additional resources and information you can take advantage of to make college more affordable for you and your family. New Jersey State Grants 1. Community …
City of St. Louis
financial aid

State Grants for Nebraska Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
If you are a resident of Nebraska and looking for grants or scholarships to assist with college expenses, you’re in luck! Nebraska has three programs available to students to help make attending college and university more affordable. Keep reading to learn more about what these programs entail plus resources to help you find additional information. …
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 …