financial advice & planning

How Much Does Trade School Cost?

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 1, 2025

Key Takeaways Trade school tuition costs range from $3,973 to $16,877. The total cost of attendance depends on the type of program, school, length, and more. You can complete the FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and request tuition reimbursement to lower the price further. Trade schools, with tuition ranging from $3,973 to $16,877 on average, are typically …

financial advice & planning

Health Insurance for College Students With Low or No Income

By Hilary CairnsPublished on August 1, 2025

Key Takeaways Most colleges require their students to carry qualifying health insurance, which can add thousands to the bill. Students can find discounted or no-cost health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, Medicaid, and Medicare. Colleges also offer campus plans, that can range from around $1,500 to over $4,000 per academic year. Between tuition and books, …

financial advice & planning

8 Money Tips for High School Students

By College Raptor StaffPublished on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaway Learning ways to be responsible for your own money while still in high school is crucial because it helps you build strong habits early and gives you more financial freedom. Below, we are diving into eight smart money tips to help you start managing what you have now: Explore Part-Time Jobs or Side …

financial advice & planning, financial aid

Schools with the Most Expensive College Tuition

By Hilary CairnsPublished on July 14, 2025

Key Takeaways: In 2022-23, the average tuition for a 4-year college ranged from $9,750 to $35,248. Amherst College has the most expensive college tuition, at $73,339. Tuition is only part of the total cost of attendance – students also need to pay for room, board, books, and more. At $73,339, Amherst College in Massachusetts has …

financial advice & planning

The Steep Price of Becoming a Doctor: Examining the Cost of Medical School

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 4, 2025

Do you dream of becoming a doctor? It’s a gratifying career, but let’s be real, medical school comes with a hefty cost. Medical school costs often require years of financial planning and student loans. But don’t worry, there are ways to make it more manageable—and help you realize your dream! Let’s look at the numbers, …

financial advice & planning

Budgets Made Easy: The Best Free Budgeting Apps

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2025

“Where did my paycheck disappear to?” If you’ve ever found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. Let’s be honest, keeping track of spending, paying off credit card debt, and saving for future goals is a LOT—especially as a college student. Budgeting will make it feel much more manageable. A good budget helps you control …

financial advice & planning, questions & answers

Is Leasing a Car a Smart Move for College Students?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 29, 2025

Yes, you can lease a car in college if you meet the age requirements for that state. The legal age to get a driver’s license in the United States varies by state but is usually between 16 and 18 years old. But, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Leasing a car in college may …

financial advice & planning

Invest in Your Future: Maximize Your 529 Tax Benefits

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 23, 2025

Saving for college is a big financial commitment, and families today are more interested than ever in finding smart ways to make the most of their savings. That’s where the 529 savings plan comes in—an investment account specifically designed to help save for qualified education expenses. We’ll walk you through the 529 tax benefits, explain …

financial advice & planning, financial aid

Empowering Students: The Importance of Financial Aid Awareness Month

By College Raptor StaffPublished on January 15, 2025

Every February, Financial Aid Awareness Month rolls around to remind us just how life-changing financial aid is for college-bound students and their families. This initiative is about opening up opportunities that bring your college dreams closer to reality. It’s the bridge that connects your ambitions to possibilities through grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Financial …

financial advice & planning

How Much Should You Save for College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 30, 2024

Key Takeaway: Wondering how much to save for college? To know where to start, it’s important to understand the typical costs of college and how inflation plays a part. This article outlines average tuition costs for the 2023-24 school year and discusses several savings vehicles—529 plans*, Coverdell ESAs, and traditional savings accounts. It will also …