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 group of students at a pride event.
scholarships

10 Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 15, 2024
Scholarships are as diverse as the student body and there are several that are dedicated to LGBTQ+ students. Below, we’ve listed 7 that may be awards you qualify for and should consider applying for.    Scholarships are as diverse as the student body itself and there are several dedicated to LGBTQIA+ students. These scholarships are …
A building at Lafayette College surrounded by trees.
college comparisons

The 25 best suburban colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 3, 2026
Key takeaways: Suburban schools can offer many of the same experiences as big cities with a quieter atmosphere. Some of the best suburban colleges include Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, and Swarthmore College. Campus visits can help you decide if a school and the surrounding area is right for your college experience. Love the …
These extracurricular activities can impress a college admissions board.
college comparisons

Federal College Scorecard: What Students and Parents Need to Know

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 1, 2025
With almost 6,000 colleges and universities in the United States, comparing each one carefully would take you decades! However, the federal “College Scorecard” is an excellent resource to learn about the statistics of a college – from the first-year retention rate to typical earnings after graduation. Here’s a look at how the College Scorecard can …
Cornell University campus building on a sunny day.
affordability & college cost

These 10 “expensive” colleges have free college tuition for middle-class families

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 10, 2026
Key takeaways: Some colleges offer free tuition or full financial aid packages to families who make below certain incomes. Harvard, Caltech, and MIT waive tuition costs for students who make less than $200,000. Eligible students need to demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA and other requested aid applications. Did you know that some colleges …
A college student sitting on her bed, drinking coffee, and studying on a laptop.
tips tools & advice

20 FREE Online Study Tools and Apps for College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 9, 2026
It’s easy to forget about schoolwork when you’re on the internet. From cat videos on YouTube to Reddit to TikTok, there are so many rabbit holes to go down! But the internet has also made studying much easier. There are thousands of websites, tools, and apps out there designed to help students learn new skills, …
types of colleges
college search

What Are the Different Types of Colleges?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 2, 2026
Key takeaways: There are several different types of colleges including community colleges, colleges, universities, and vocational colleges All offer different programs, degrees, and educational opportunities. Students should know how colleges differ from one another as it could impact their search for the best school for their needs, wants, goals, and budget. As you explore different …
University of Washington
college search

Finding the Right Size Colleges: Small, Medium or Large Campus?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 5, 2024
Whenever students are asked about their college preferences, one of the things students consider is the size of the school. The majority of college match tools, including College Raptor, ask about preferred college size. There are small, medium, and large size colleges, but how do students know what the right size is for them? Each …

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