affordability & college cost

A Million Millions: Student Loan Debt vs. Valentine’s Day Spending

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Each year, we hear about the huge spending for Valentine’s Day. And, almost every day, we are reminded how much student loan debt Americans have. But, how do the two stack up? Well, it’s really not much of a contest. Student loan debt in America is currently at $1.2 trillion, which dwarfs any measure of …

student life

The 15 Best College Town Burger Joints

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is something that feels right about enjoying a delicious hamburger in a college town. Maybe it’s the monotony of dining hall food that makes burger joints so popular around college campuses, or maybe it’s just tradition. Whatever it is, it’s basically a requirement that college towns have a restaurant where you can get a …

student life

7 Mind-Blowing Campus Buildings Designed by Architect Frank Gehry

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

Frank O. Gehry is one of the world’s foremost designers and architects. His unique style is unmistakable, and it’s especially obvious when one of his sparkling, futuristic structures is erected on a college campus full of historic, ivy-covered steeples. Known for impossible shapes and curved surfaces, his works often look like something right off the set of …

college news & trends

Super Schools 2015: An Analysis of the Colleges Represented on the Field of the NFL’s “Big Game”

By Jeff PierpontLast updated on December 22, 2022

We analyzed the players on each team in this year’s “Big Game” and found some interesting stats about the colleges they attended. Most represented colleges at the “Big Game”: Rutgers – 4 players University of Oregon – 4 players University of Wisconsin-Madison – 4 players Texas A&M University – 4 players Stanford University – 3 …

college news & trends

Senate U 2015: Where the 114th U.S. Senate Went to College

By Tyler HakesLast updated on April 18, 2025

As the 114th US Senate settles into what is sure to be a term full of political stand-offs, we took a look at the colleges that awarded our senators their undergraduate degrees. Many of the nation’s top colleges and universities have a long history of educating our country’s legislators, and this Senate class is not …

student life

15 of the Most Amazing College Libraries in the US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 24, 2025

Key Takeaway: A college library might not seem like the most exciting place at first glance—just a spot to cram for exams, right? From high-tech modern spaces to cathedral-style, stained glass charm, these 15 college libraries might just make you actually want to study: Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago James B. Hunt …

myths

College Myth: I Shouldn’t Reach out to a College Until I’m Ready to Apply

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many students assume they’ll reach out to a college during the application process, but this shouldn’t necessarily be the case. In fact, contacting a college before you apply can have advantages. Contacting a college before applying could actually improve your admissions chances Reaching out to a college as a prospective student shows you’re actively interested. …

college search

Happy New Year: Make a Resolution to Start Your College Search Early (And Keep It!)

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

As we turn the page on 2014, a whole new class of high school students is making their New Year resolution and beginning to turn their thoughts toward their college search. Future college hopefuls and their families may consider putting off their search, as the process can be quite intimidating. But, keep in mind that …

questions & answers

How Do I Know if a College is a Good Fit?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a college out there for nearly everyone. The most important part of finding the right college is determining if a school is a good fit for you. A college that’s a good fit should have the following characteristics. 1. The college matches you academically You want to be challenged in college, but being …

college search

How to Choose a College Major

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2025

Key Takeaway If you’re not sure what to major in, know that you are not alone and not behind—most colleges do not require you to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. Choosing a college major is a big decision, so it’s important to consider your passions, stay open to change, understand …