college comparisons

Colleges with the Best Student Housing

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

While living in a school-owned building may not seem like every student’s dream, there are quite a few colleges around the United States with top-notch room and board options. We’ve gathered a list of just a handful of the trendiest housing options found in the U.S., in no particular order. Check them out below! Founders Hall, …

college news & trends

Where Powerful Women Went to College (Part 2!)

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 1, 2024

Not too long ago we presented an infographic all about powerful US women and where they went to college. Now we’re back with part two of the series with more women in power and where they went to college! This time around, every single woman we feature spoke at the first-ever United States of Women …

questions & answers

Do I Have to be Religious to Attend a Religious College?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

The short answer, of course, is no. The primary difference between a religiously-affiliated college and a public university is that, because the religious college is private, the separation of church and state does not apply. It might be that a religious school requires so many credits of “religious” courses (depending on the school, classes such …

questions & answers

Should I Pay Attention to Professor-Rating Websites?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that the internet has been a boon to students around the world. With research materials posted or scanned online, students researching papers no longer have to spend hours at the library simply searching for relevant information. Sharing assignments online saves paper and printer ink money. There are numerous other benefits to the …

student life

Service Animals on College Campuses

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some people require animals in order to navigate college (and life). Dorms, apartments, and classrooms, among other public places often allow these animals. Before we get started on what is needed to bring your service animal to college, let’s break down the two major groups of personal service animals: Service Animals (SA) These animals (generally …

questions & answers

What is an “Accredited” College? Why is Being “Accredited” Important?

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are a lot of colleges and universities in the United States, but how many of them are actually “accredited”? Just because a college exists, does not mean it has the best educational program or teaching system. The college could have been created and approved to teach, but not be accredited. What is accreditation? Accreditation …

questions & answers

Are Freshmen Retention Rates a Good Indicator of a College’s Quality?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The answer may not be as clear-cut as you’re hoping, because: yes and no. But let’s break it down. First off: what is a freshmen retention rate? It is the percentage of students who return for their second (or sophomore) year at school. For example, Vanderbilt University has a first-year retention rate of 97%. That …

questions & answers

What if I Can’t Afford a College Visit?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Visiting a college you’re interested in is an integral part of the college selection process. During a visit, students get an in-depth look at a potential school, get a feel for the campus and atmosphere, and can ask questions to current students and faculty. They can even sit-in on classes! But if you can’t afford …

student life

Different Kinds of Living Arrangements in College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Often one of the first thoughts upon entering college as a freshmen concerns dorms—how to decorate them, wondering if such a small space is really enough, thinking about closet-space and the tiny beds, and so on. Most freshmen spend their first year in dorms. But what about sophomore year? If you loved your dorm experience, …

tips tools & advice

5 Ways to Reduce Stress in College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 13, 2023

College is a major stressor for many students which is why knowing how to deal with college stress is crucial for optimal performance and overall mental health. According to the American College Health Association, over 40% of students feel more than average levels of stress. Between juggling an academic load, jobs, relationships, social activities, and …