affordability & college cost

8 Ways to Make Out-of-State College Affordable

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 1, 2024

Key Takeaways: Although in-state students typically pay less than out-of-state students, there are ways to reduce the higher tuition costs. Start by completing your FAFSA and look into financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Establishing residency or attending a school in an academic common market can help cover school expenses. How To …

affordability & college cost

Cut College Costs: Graduate On Time

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

You will most likely be borrowing money every year that you are in college to fund your tuition and other college costs. By the time you graduate after 4 years, the total amount you’ve borrowed would have added up considerably. Delaying your graduation even by one semester will add a few thousand dollars more to …

affordability & college cost

The Importance of Knowing Your Net Price

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are a lot of prices out there thrown around when it comes to your college education. From sticker price to tuition to room and board, it can be a bit confusing what these terms mean in relation to how much you’ll pay for a year at a particular school. That’s why it’s so important …

affordability & college cost

Average Cost of College in US for 2017-2018

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 5, 2025

Sometimes it helps to look at the data, and when it comes to college cost, there’s plenty of data. College costs are rising steadily year over year, so let’s take a look at the average cost of college in the US from 2017 to 2018. Average Cost for Bachelor Degrees According to College Board, NCES, …

affordability & college cost

How To Strike a Balance Between an Affordable College and a Dream School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Quite a few students in high school already have their dream school chosen, but for some, it may be out of reach financially. Finding a balance between affording college and attending your dream school may present you with solutions. Investigate Scholarships and Financial Aid Through Your Dream School Many juniors and seniors in high school …

affordability & college cost

College Costs: What You Should Expect to Pay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2024

Tuition is the first thing most families think about when calculating college costs. And that’s totally justified considering tuition fees are the largest expense associated with college education. However, there are several other college related expenses to factor in when calculating the total cost of college. Here, we breakdown those expenses and give some tips on …

affordability & college cost

What is Included in “Cost of Attendance?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Cost of attendance or COA is a term you’ll come across often when researching different colleges and their fees. Families often confuse cost of attendance with college tuition. The fact is although the two are associated, they are two completely different things. College tuition is just one part of the total cost of attendance. Here’s …

affordability & college cost

Did You Know There are Exceptions to Paying Out-of-State Tuition for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

For the most part, schools have a separate tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, with out-of-state sometimes costing as much as three times the in-state rate. Most states require you to have called the area home for at least a year to be consider a resident, but there are exceptions to this rule. Here are …

affordability & college cost

Why Should College Be Free?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 22, 2025

Key Takeaways: Some arguments in favor of free college include the ideas that it could help lower student debt, close income gaps, and reduce stress. However, it’s not quite clear where the funding would come from for free college, and there’s worries that it would diminish a degree’s value. Other programs, including targeted scholarships, free …

affordability & college cost

15 Surprisingly Affordable Colleges for Midwestern Middle Class Families

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many middle class families in the Midwest think that their only affordable college options are the state schools. While these may be great options, they are certainly not the only affordable schools for these students and families. Before we jump in to which colleges we found to be most affordable for middle class Midwestern families, it’s important …