student life

15 Fun Halloween Costumes for College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 27, 2024

It’s officially spooky season, so it’s time to start thinking about your Halloween costume. As a college student, Halloween is one of the biggest events of the year (cue the infamous Mean Girls quote). As we get closer to the holiday, your local costume stores may be running out of supplies so deciding on your …

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 …

college search, tips tools & advice

Great Colleges for Nontraditional Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Are you planning on going back to college well after you graduated high school? It’s never too late! There are plenty of amazing colleges for nontraditional students out there. We cover some things you need to know about going to college as an older student and a few of the best colleges for nontraditional students …

college news & trends

Curricular Trends in Higher Education

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

Higher education trends have undergone some surprising changes over the past few years. And it’s not just in one specific area. Trends in higher education have changed in almost every aspect, from academic and technological to social and financial. Understanding these trends offers a deeper perspective on the future of higher education and what we …

student life

Types of Academic Calendars

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

Types of academic calendars can vary depending on your university and the program you are enrolled in. There are many benefits for colleges to have different calendar systems since there are so many students who want to attend. Not every student will need a traditional school schedule so it’s important for colleges to cater to …

college comparisons, tips tools & advice

Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree at a Community College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 23, 2024

Yes, it is possible to get a bachelor’s degree at some community colleges. Not all 2-year schools offer bachelor’s degrees, but the list is growing ever longer each year. It’s important to note though that these colleges can sometimes be limited in their offerings for bachelor’s and majors. So students need to decide whether or …

college search, questions & answers, tips tools & advice

College Trends: Distance Learning

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

Distance learning was already increasing in popularity before the pandemic. After the pandemic, it has become one of the fastest-growing college trends. There are several reasons for this huge surge in popularity of distance learning. But first, it helps to understand exactly what is distance learning. What Is Distance Learning? Distance learning refers to the …

hidden gems 2023

Best Religiously Affiliated Hidden Gem Colleges | 2023 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

The United States is a melting pot of different cultures and religions, and for many, religion is an important part of their life. Hundreds of universities and colleges across the United States were founded with religious affiliation, and many have held onto those roots. They have the ethics and belief system of their religion built …

hidden gems 2023

Hidden Gem Colleges in the US | 2023 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

The best treasures are worth looking for and may even be hidden right beneath your nose. That’s true for colleges as well. With our 2023 Hidden Gem Colleges, we highlight colleges and universities that students may not have heard of before. These are all amazing schools and are worth exploring for academic, financial, and social …

hidden gems 2023

Most Affordable Hidden Gem Colleges for the Middle Class | 2023 Rankings

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 21, 2022

It’s no secret that college can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean “not affordable.” This year, College Raptor wanted to highlight some hidden gem colleges that are most affordable for the middle class. We rank the most affordable colleges based on the estimated net price at each institution for a “typical” middle-class family. We defined …