All Financial Aid Articles

how-to-read-FAFSA-Results
financial advice & planning, financial aid

How to read your FAFSA results

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 23, 2026
Key takeaways: Most students receive their FAFSA results within three days on the FSA website. Your Student Aid Report will detail your Student Aid Index, estimated financial aid package, and more. Colleges use your FAFSA to determine financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, and loans. You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid …
college financial aid resources
financial aid

Best College Financial Aid Resources for the New Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 25, 2025
Whether you’re waiting to hear back from colleges, know which school you will be attending in the fall, or are a junior in high school, financial aid resources can make college much more affordable. Which should you be paying attention to in 2022? FAFSA One of the most important financial aid resources you need to …
Student thinking about offer letters
financial aid

What You Should Know about Front-Loaded Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students rely on financial aid in order to attend college, but. While researching financial aid, you may have come across the term “front-loaded.” But what is it? Is it good or bad? Are there other options available? Here’s what you need to know about this front-loaded financial aid. What is Front-Loaded Financial Aid? Front-loaded …
A father and daughter reviewing how 529 plan affects the FAFSA
financial aid

How a 529 Plan Affects your FAFSA

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Calculating the amount of financial aid to award a student can be tricky. Many elements are connected and affect each other. One such example is 529 savings plans and the FAFSA. Your 529 plan affects your FAFSA and how much aid you can receive. Here’s a rundown of those details. What is a 529 Plan? …
Student taking an online test at home.
financial aid

Is There College Financial Aid For Homeschooled Students?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023
Financial aid helps students pay for higher education. That includes students who studied at home. Homeschooling has come a long way since a few years ago in terms of college admissions as well as financial aid. Today, colleges welcome homeschool students as long as they meet the school’s eligibility criteria. As for financial aid for …
A college student applying for a stimulus check on her phone.
financial aid

What is the Student Aid Index?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 7, 2025
The Student Aid Index, or SAI, is the number colleges use to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for based on the information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here’s a rundown of how the SAI works and why it matters for students and families trying to pay for …
The Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise.
financial aid

How To Overcome Financial Aid “Gapping”

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
To make the cost of college more affordable, many schools offer financial aid packages to accepted students. These packages are customized for each student based on the information submitted through the FAFSA. Schools usually try and cover 100% of the student’s financial need through a mix of grants, scholarships, work study and loans. However, many …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.