questions & answers

What Are ROTC Programs? The Complete Guide for Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 19, 2025

Key Takeaways ROTC is a college program that trains students to become commissioned officers. Programs are available at over 1,700 colleges across the U.S. ROTC offers scholarships that can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Participation requires a commitment to serve in the military after graduation. Each branch (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and …

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A Quick Guide to Free Community Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 26, 2025

In certain states, yes, community colleges can be entirely free! Not all states offer these types of programs, however, and many of them have restrictions on eligibility. But if you qualify, you could very well receive a free ride to community college! Keep reading to learn more about which states have programs, who qualifies, and …

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From Campus to Career: Honoring National Student Employment Week

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 13, 2026

Imagine this: you stroll into the campus café for your essential morning coffee, swing by the library to check out that intriguing book and get your laptop issues sorted out—all before your first class begins. Have you ever stopped to think about who makes those moments possible? It’s the student employees! They are the unsung …

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How to Know When You Should (or Shouldn’t) Switch Your Major

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 28, 2023

Switching your major is a big decision, but one that many college students make every year. Sometimes the switch in your declared major is drastic, while other times it just changes a little. Whether you’re a biology major and want to switch to an economics major, or you’re a business major who wants to switch …

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8 Great Podcasts for Parents of College Bound Teens

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 20, 2023

Navigating applying for college, financial aid, scholarships, and more can be overwhelming and confusing! And not only for college-bound students – for their parents as well. It’s a lot to handle. But if you want to get on top of the must-know information, even amid your busy schedule, we highly recommend starting with these podcasts …

questions & answers, student life

5 Reasons Students Transfer Colleges?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on December 28, 2022

While many college students start and graduate from the same college or university, this isn’t the case for all! Some students have reasons to transfer colleges at certain points in their education. Some factors, like, they may find the college isn’t for them, their finances or changed, or transferring was always a part of their …

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10 Interesting Celebrity SAT Scores

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test that high school students must take before applying to colleges. It’s hosted by the College Board and thousands of students take it each year before attending a community college or university. Have you ever wondered about famous people’s SAT scores? In a way, they’re just like …

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Hidden Gems Colleges: An Interview with Bill Staib

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 29, 2024

Every year, College Raptor releases a list of “Hidden Gems” College Rankings (in addition to the “Best Colleges” Rankings. We had some time to chat with College Raptor’s President and CEO William Staib about: Why College Raptor is important to him personally What “Hidden Gems” Colleges are How College Raptor users can use these lists …

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Carnegie Classifications: What Do They Mean?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 22, 2024

‘Carnegie Classification’ is the shortened version of ‘Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’. The classification, for educational and research purposes, identifies groups of comparable institutions. Here’s the rundown on everything you need to know about Carnegie Classifications, how colleges and universities use them, and what they mean for you. History of the Carnegie Classification …

college search, questions & answers

A Quick Guide to MicroMasters Programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

If you’re thinking about continuing your education and going after a Master’s, it may be worth your time (and money) to consider a MicroMasters Program instead. Here’s everything you need to know about these programs, how you can find them, and other must-know details. What is a MicroMasters Program? A MicroMasters program is a program …