online colleges

A Guide to Going Back to College at 30

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 30, 2025

Key Takeaways Nearly 30% of full-time college students are over age 25, making adult and nontraditional students a significant part of higher education. Adult learners bring valuable life experiences, work experience, and clear career goals to the classroom. Flexible online programs, evening classes, and accelerated degree programs make it possible to balance college education with …

online colleges

How to Get an Online Degree Fast: 6 Secrets to Earning Your Degree As Quickly As Possible

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

One of the greatest things about technology is that it can help us in so many ways. What once required travel or phone calls or face-to-face interaction can now be accomplished in seconds via the web. This is especially true when it comes to education–online degrees and distance education. If you’re like many students considering …

online colleges

Regionally Accredited Online Colleges: What Does It Mean If a College is Regionally Accredited?

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

When looking at colleges, one very important factor is the school’s accreditation. Accreditation is the process where an outside body evaluates and gives seals of approval to colleges. It indicates that the college has met the criteria of the accreditation process. U.S. accrediting agencies grant regional accreditation throughout the country. Six in total, that cover …

online colleges

Going Back to School: 5 Critical Questions to Consider

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

The decision to leave school or simply not attend in the first place is made for a multitude of different reasons. For some, it’s a lack of funds to continue their education. For others, it’s a lack of motivation or drive to finish. And for others still, it is the realization that what you’re studying …

college applications

Understanding Prior-Prior Year FAFSA Filing and What It Means for Students and Parents

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The federal government has come up with a wonderfully confusing new name for something that actually simplifies the financial aid process. Let me try to make it easier to understand. Historically, students and parents have used income information from the last full calendar year on financial aid applications (FAFSA). In other words, you used the …

questions & answers

Should I Hire a College Essay Coach?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

There aren’t many rising high school seniors who enjoy the process of writing the college essay, but, let’s face it, it is a necessary evil. Happily, you don’t need to go it alone on the journey to write your college essay. But how much help should you have? How much is too much? Should you …

questions & answers

Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action When Financial Aid Matters?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 2, 2026

Key takeaways: Accepted early decision students are expected to attend the college and will only receive a single financial aid offer letter. Early action is non-binding and a decision is needed until May 1, giving accepted students time to compare acceptance and financial aid awards. If you were accepted under early decision but didn’t receive …

ACT & SAT

6 Things Every Student and Parent Needs to Know About the New SAT

By Lauren GaggioliLast updated on June 7, 2023

The SAT has undergone a number of changes in the past 15 years, and it’s set to undergo some new ones in the next year! The biggest one is the fact that the SAT will no longer be done on paper – it will be entirely digital.  Here’s what you need to know about this …

college admissions

What Colleges Look For In Students: GRIT

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some four-letter words could get you in trouble; they might earn you detention or garner a reprimand from your parents. However, there is a particular four-letter word that is actually quite appealing. Not only do colleges want you to say this word, but they also want you to demonstrate it, embrace it, and live it. …

ACT & SAT

FREE Resources for ACT/SAT Test Prep

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 20, 2023

There’s no doubt about it, the ACT and SAT are incredibly important tests. With so much potentially riding on your score—college admittance, scholarships, potential jobs or internships, and more—you’ll want to be as ready as possible when test day comes. And even if your dream school has gone “test optional,” it may still be a …