affordability & college cost, tips tools & advice

The Difference Between a School’s Sticker Price and Net Price – And How to Estimate It

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 10, 2023

When you’re looking at the price of attending a year of college, the costs can be a bit staggering. In many cases, it can scare students off from applying to that particular school. But that number you’re seeing is likely the sticker price, and the amount you actually pay could be significantly less! Understanding the …

tips tools & advice

COVID Update – What Are Colleges Doing?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

The COVID-19 situation keeps changing and so do the recommendations from the government and CDC. As a high school or college student, it may be difficult to keep up to date on what exactly colleges and universities are doing in response! As of January 2022, colleges are seeing extremely high rates of COVID cases in …

student life, tips tools & advice

Express Diversity and Acceptance at College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Martin Luther King Jr. Day may be behind us for 2022, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t focus on diversity and acceptance every day, especially in college. How can you be more inclusive? Here are some tips. Be Mindful One of the best ways to focus more on acceptance is to be mindful. Many could …

tips tools & advice

4 Awesome College Planners for Spring Term

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 27, 2024

As your spring semester begins, what are you using to make sure you have a handle on all the work that will pop up on your courses? Keeping it all in your head can be stressful, and you’re likely to forget a few things. A college planner is an amazing way to track your projects, …

college search, student life

Cold weather colleges: 10 awesome picks for skiing and winter fun

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 20, 2025

Key takeaways Some of the best colleges for skiing and winter fun include Michigan Technological University, the University of Denver, and Dartmouth College. Cold-weather campuses come with built-in perks, like nearby slopes, snow festivals, and thriving outdoor clubs. Whether you like small towns or big cities, there’s a perfect snowy fit for every student. Schools …

college search, student life

30 + Beautiful Beachside Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 6, 2024

Do you love spending time near the ocean? Want to attend a school with a coastal view? Want to head to the beach during your downtime? Thankfully, there are plenty of beachside colleges in the United States! In this list, we’ve included some beachside colleges that see warm weather year-round and others that get a …

college search, student life

Does Location Determine College Choices? If So, How Much?

By adminLast updated on December 21, 2022

Choosing a college is no easy decision. There are several factors you need to take into consideration, the most important of which is the curriculum. Making sure that the college you choose offers your preferred major is a top priority. Other factors to consider are the cost of tuition, campus size, extracurricular activities offered, and …

college search

What is a J-Term

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 9, 2024

J-Term is a period in January where students can take courses for credit, study abroad, participate in internships, or take a break. This unique term offers students unique classes like painting and mountain climbing, as well as traditional subjects like animal behavior and history. Some schools that offer J-Term include Oberlin College, Massachusetts Institute of …

tips tools & advice

It’s a New Year! What Are You Prioritizing?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 20, 2026

Happy New Year! We hope you had an amazing start to 2022. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions and what needs to go on your priority list. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are three ideas that can get you off on the right foot …

student life

College Dorm Room Essentials for Your Christmas Wishlist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 27, 2026

Putting together your Christmas Wishlist? It’s a great idea to make sure you have your spring college dorm room essentials! Maybe your friends had them in the fall you want them now too! No matter what the case is, these are great gift ideas awesome additions to the ultimate dorm room. A Compact Vacuum With …