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Students walking in University of Nevada, Reno campus with bicycle racks.
college search

10 Reasons to Attend a Public College or University

Public colleges and universities sometimes get a bad rap. For some reason, many people think state schools are not as rigorous or prestigious as fancy private colleges and universities. However, public colleges and universities offer many great advantages that may not be available at private institutions. State schools are not for everyone, but for some, …
college comparisons

Regional Gems: Midwest

The Midwest is full of big universities–it’s home to the Big 10 after all! And while these schools are great for some students, they aren’t right for everyone. Some are better fit for smaller colleges, of which they may not even be aware. To shed light on small but deserving colleges around the country, we continue …
Student runnng inside University of Dallas campus surrounded with pink flower trees.
college comparisons

Regional Gems: West & South

At College Raptor, we help students find colleges that fit them financially, socially, and academically–which means looking at more than just big-name universities. That’s why we’re drawing attention to smaller colleges across the nation which deserve consideration but may be initially overlooked because of their size. As a continuation of our series on hidden gem …
college comparisons

Regional Gems: Northeast

Many people automatically associate education in the Northeast with the Ivy League. But students desiring a world-class education don’t have to focus on those 8 schools. There are many great, smaller colleges in the Northeast where undergraduates can receive a valuable and meaningful education. To bring attention to these smaller and perhaps lesser-known colleges, College …
Two college students holding a duck at a campus event.
student life

20 Pet Friendly Colleges

It’s hard to resist the allure of animals and if you’ve had pets all your life, it’s not the easiest thing to leave them behind while you’re away at school. It’s true that many schools have therapy dog programs nowadays (although usually only around finals week), but if you’re looking for a slightly more permanent …
best colleges
college comparisons

Hidden Gems: The Best Colleges In Each State That Receive Fewer than 5,000 Applications Per Year

College Raptor aims to help students find their best fit colleges, academically, culturally, and financially. While big colleges can be a great fit for some students, others do better on smaller campuses. To bring attention to small colleges around the country, we’ve developed this map highlighting the top hidden gem college in each state. In …
types of colleges
college search

What Are the Different Types of Colleges?

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 types of …
A school counselor pointing at a book while a student takes notes.
college search

5 Tips on Working with Your School Counselor on Your College Search

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the national student-to-counselor ratio, is 478 to 1, nearly double the number recommended by the American School Counselor Association. Some states, like Minnesota, have a ratio of nearly 800 students for every school counselor, giving it the second-highest ratio in the nation, behind California.  Of course, …
University of Washington
college search

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

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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