college search

Public vs Private Colleges: What Is the Difference?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are several differences between public and private colleges, from the way they are run and the cost of tuition to the programs they offer and the campus experience. When weighing public vs private college, there is no clear winner in all respects. Both types of schools have their respective benefits and downsides. Which one …

questions & answers

Is it Better to Live On-Campus or Off-Campus? The Pros and Cons of Each

By Nick RandleLast updated on December 22, 2022

To live on-campus… or to stay at home; that is the dilemma. Choosing is often easy, most of us know the answer from the start. But once in a while, it becomes a big decision for incoming freshmen or even for current students who want to revisit their decision—which is completely normal. In order to …

questions & answers

How are College Discussion and Lecture Classes Related?

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

You may have questions about lecture and discussion classes in college. When I was registering for my very first college schedule, I would add a discussion class section and automatically another class populated onto my schedule. I was confused at first, why do I have an extra 3-5 hours of class a week? That doesn’t …

questions & answers

What is a Land-Grant College or University?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2026

Key takeaways: Land-grant universities were created due to the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 and the Equity of Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.  They include schools that originally focused on agriculture, military tactics, mechanical studies, or educating African Americans, as well as tribal institutions.  There are more than 100 land-grant universities, including University of Iowa, University of California …

tips tools & advice

How to Have a Successful Semester in College

By Rose ScottLast updated on February 27, 2023

The summer is almost gone, so now you are full of enthusiasm to make a fresh start successfully. Aren’t ready yet? Here is a ready-made plan for you to prepare for the school year ahead and have a successful semester. 1. Keep Account of Your Progress Create a table in Excel and classify the material …

questions & answers

Does the Size of a Class in College Matter?

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

A large deciding factor for many students when choosing a college is size. Do they want to go to a small or big school? As a student, you find your perfect college match in terms of the community it is located, a top-ranked program for the major you choose, a generous financial aid package, but …

student life

What if My Best Friend Goes to a Rival School?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Or does it? What if your best friend goes to your rival school? You must be sworn enemies. Or maybe not. While you are probably used to sporting the same colors and participating or cheer for the same team you shared in high school, things have changed. They now …

college majors & minors

What’s a double major? Everything you need to know

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 20, 2026

Key takeaways A double major allows students to focus on two disciplines, related or unrelated, simultaneously. For example, English and Literature (related) or Biology and Music (unrelated). Pursuing a double major has plenty of benefits, including preparing you for a specific career, broadening your knowledge in two subjects, opening up more job opportunities, and even …

college news & trends

The Use of Technology in the Classroom

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students graduating high school and heading to college are a part of the millennial generation. They grew up with evolving technology. It is often a necessity over privilege. In years past, college students went to the school library to wait their turn at the typewriter. Then it was the desktop that took forever loading each …

questions & answers

What are the Differences Between Various Types of Schools?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

“College” is pretty much a catch-all umbrella term for schools that offer higher education. Sometimes people interchange “college” with “university.” There is a multitude of specifications about schools–are they public or private? Are the non-profit or for-profit? Eventually, the school can rack up a long list of descriptors that all have an impact on what …