Karen’s Story: Navigating the Application Process with a Village

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 6, 2026

College Raptor Scholarship winner Karen knows firsthand that applying to college is a team effort. She shared that she received support from both her parents and her school guidance counselor throughout the process.  “As a family, we went through the different options I would have in the future,” Karen explained. “We specifically discussed what schools …

Michayla’s Journey as a Self-Supporting College Student

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 4, 2026

Every college student’s financial journey looks different. For $1,000 College Raptor Scholarship winner Michayla, navigating college means taking full ownership of her finances while balancing a demanding academic schedule. Michayla is a senior at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, where she is studying engineering. She started her college journey as a member of ROTC, which …

From High School to Higher Education: How Smart Planning Is Helping Sidney Reach Her Dream Career

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 4, 2026

For many students, the college application process can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing big dreams with real financial considerations. High school senior Sidney from California is a firsthand example of this situation. With aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, Sidney has spent the past few years navigating college applications, financial aid, and scholarships. Sidney shared that …

The College Match Tool Helped Tristen Find the Right Campus Energy

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 4, 2026

There’s a lot to consider when starting the college search journey. College Raptor’s $2,500 Scholarship winner Tristen shared his top three priorities: Program Affordability Campus environment Third was certainly not least. For Tristen, a university’s “energy” was especially important. He shared that the places and opportunities around the college contributed to its overall vibe. That …

The Road to College Is Paved with Smart Financial Choices

By College Raptor StaffPublished on December 1, 2025

Throughout the college search process, finances can often create barriers for many students. College Raptor scholarship winner and first-year Stanford University student Addison knows firsthand how navigating finances plays a vital role on the road to your dream school. Addison spoke with her guardians before applying to school to gain an understanding of where she …

Sofia Finds Her Perfect Fit with College Raptor’s Top Lists

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 1, 2025

When scholarship winner Sofia began her college search, she turned to College Raptor’s ranking lists for guidance. “It really helped me to look at College Raptor’s lists and see which colleges were better at different things in different categories,” said Sofia, now a first-year at the University of Washington. Sofia found the University of Washington …

College Raptor Helped Connor Rank What Really Matters and Find the Right College

By College Raptor StaffPublished on November 3, 2025

When first-year marketing student Connor began exploring colleges, he turned to College Raptor’s tools to help identify what mattered most to him. At the top of his list were campus resources, followed closely by cost. Reflecting on his first priority, he explained, “Resources are so important because not only do they help prepare you for …

College Raptor Reveals Eleventh Annual Hidden Gem Colleges for 2026

By College Raptor StaffPublished on October 8, 2025

Now Live in the Citizens Student Hub, a New Digital Resource for Students and Families PROVIDENCE, R.I. – October 8, 2025 – With college costs rising and families more focused than ever on real value, students are rethinking what makes a school the “right fit.” Today, College Raptor, Citizens’ college planning platform, released its 11th …

College Raptor’s SAI Calculator Gave Gabriella the Key to Building Her College List

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 7, 2025

Meet Gabriella, a passionate dancer who has always kept her finances front and center. She told the College Raptor team that she first learned the power of saving through her summer job. “After the summer ended and I finished my job, I would always allocate at least half of my money to a savings account,” …

This Scholarship Winner Calls College Raptor Her Treasure

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 2, 2025

College Raptor Scholarship winner Kaylee refers to College Raptor as a treasure. “There’s just so much more here,” she says. When Kaylee first started the college search process, she wasn’t thinking about cost at all. She initially imagined attending an Ivy League school, with academics as her main focus. But as she progressed in high …