financial aid

6 FAFSA Benefits You Don’t Want to Miss

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Are you applying to college but have decided not to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Several surprising reports have stated that many families decide against submitting the application. For many, it’s because they’ve heard that the application is only for students from low-income families – which isn’t true at all. Several …

financial aid

Everything You Need to Know About the CSS Financial Aid Profile

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2025

The CSS Profile is a financial aid application offered by the College Board and used by around 270 participating colleges, universities, and scholarship programs. The CSS Profile asks for more information than the FAFSA, which could result in additional institutional financial aid for students who complete the application. Students should submit the FAFSA even if …

financial aid

The Question-By-Question FAFSA Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025

The question by question guide provided below is an amazing resource for people who filed the FAFSA prior to 2022. For the most current FAFSA Guide, click here. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid—or FAFSA—is a form that determines a student’s financial need level, and opens the opportunity for federal scholarships, grants, work study …

financial aid

19 Great Work Study Programs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 11, 2025

Key Takeaways Work-study jobs help pay for school and build real-world skills. Most jobs are flexible and fit around your classes. Use your school’s portal or tools like Handshake to find openings. Look for positions that match your interests or future career goals. Apply early as spots can fill up quickly! If you want to …

financial aid

A Breakdown of the Federal TRIO Programs

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Federal TRIO programs were introduced as a way to identify and help students from disadvantaged and lower-income backgrounds. There are eight TRIO programs, all funded by the US Department of Education. Each of the programs has its own distinct goal, which is different from the other programs. Some are community-based organizations while others aim …

financial aid

What You Need To Know About The TRIO Upward Bound Program

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Upward Bound (UB) Program is one of eight programs that make up the Federal TRIO Programs. Specifically, this program dedicates itself to providing academic assistance and financial support to high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The TRIO Upward Bound program’s aim is to prepare these students for college entrance. Additionally, the program provides continuous …

financial aid

Department of Education Launches New Mobile FAFSA App

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

As part of an ambitious redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) the US Department of Education has launched an app that helps students file the FAFSA. The Official FAFSA App Known as myStudentAid, the app is designed to make filing the FAFSA as easy and straightforward as possible. Like the FAFSA …

financial aid

5 Things All Parents Need to Know About the FAFSA

By Kristen MoonLast updated on July 28, 2023

College is a huge investment for many families and most need a little bit of financial help. If you are looking for ways to pay for college, one of the first resources you may turn to is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every student qualifies for some form of student aid, so …

financial aid

College Prep Financial Aid Checklist for Juniors and Seniors

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you a freshman who just started high school? Or a senior staring down the barrel of your impending graduation? Organizational checklists and being prepared are keys to success. We’ve compiled a college financial aid checklist with handy tips to help you keep track of important financial aid information so you do not miss out …

financial aid

Why The FAFSA Should Be Your #1 Priority in Paying for College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Every year, thousands of prospective college students lose out on federal student aid that they are eligible for, simply because they did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Even though the FAFSA should be your priority, it may not be. There’s one primary reason students do not complete the FAFSA. …