All Financial Aid Articles

What's the difference between grants and scholarships?
financial aid

What Is a College Grant?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 29, 2024
A grant is a form of gift aid awarded to college students that, in most cases, does not have to be paid back. Grants can be awarded based on merit or demonstrated financial need and award amounts are program specific. The federal government, state governments, private organizations, and schools can all offer grants for college. …
financial aid

State Grants for Virginia College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 13, 2024
Are you thinking about staying in your home state of Virginia to attend college? The state, through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, has several college grants available to its residents and students to make college more affordable. Here’s what you need to know. Virginia State Grants 1. Virginia Commonwealth Award  For undergraduate …
Photograph of the campus of the University of Vermont. A final campus visit can help you solidify your decision
financial aid

State Grants for Vermont College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 28, 2024
Vermont only has two state grants for its residents and students: the Vermont Grant and the Short-term Training: Advancement Grant. However, the state does offer a number of resources to help its students better afford college including a whole booklet of Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC) assisted scholarships. We’ve outlined these two college grants for …
financial aid

State Grants for Texas College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 23, 2024
Texas is home to some amazing colleges and universities – and state grants, loans, and other financial aid programs for students. Many students don’t even realize their home state can help them afford college! Here are some Texas college grants you need to be aware of. State Grants for Students in Texas 1. Toward EXcellance, …
financial aid

State Grants for Utah College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 23, 2024
College can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but one way students can cut down on this expense is to apply to state grants. The state of Utah actually offers several grants, scholarships, and programs that can make college more affordable for its students. Here are some state grants for Utah students that you need …
Hidden Gems in the Northeast - Trinity Washington University
financial aid

State Grants for Washington DC College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on January 11, 2024
Do you live in Washington DC and plan on staying in the area for college? There are several state grants dedicated to students in the DC area, even for those who are planning on leaving the city to attend college in another state! Below, we’ve outlined some of the grants the country’s capital offers and …
Family figuring out SAI calculation.
financial aid, questions & answers

What is SAI vs EFC?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 22, 2023
SAI replaces EFC in the 2024-2025 FAFSA. SAI is the number that colleges will use to assess your eligibility for financial aid. It’s a significant, more streamlined change from the EFC system previously used and is meant to provide a more straightforward student aid calculation for families and prospective students.  Navigating the maze of federal …
financial aid

What Is A Last-Dollar Scholarship?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2023
A last dollar scholarship is a form of need-based financial aid. It’s designed to bridge the funding gap between the total cost of college and the financial aid you’ve received. If you’ve exhausted all available sources of funding but still need additional funds to cover your college costs, you may be able to get a …
Student frustrated with confusing offer letter
financial aid

Top 3 Places People Get Stuck On FAFSA

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 1, 2023
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that all college students must submit to qualify for different types of federal student aid. The FAFSA form, while extremely important, is known to have some complexities. We hope to clear some of those questions up here. Your CSS Profile is Not the Same …
student looking online for state college grants.
financial aid

State Grants for Tennessee College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 31, 2023
If you’re going to college in Tennessee, the state has several grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs for students attending 4-year colleges and universities, 2-year colleges, technical schools, and others. What a way to help pay for college! Keep reading to see if you qualify and to find out where you can get more information …