All Financial Aid Articles

A student walking in Rawson Hall at Grinnell College campus.
financial aid

What You Can Do to Be Proactive Before FAFSA Opens

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 25, 2024
FAFSA is opening just around the corner. Here are some things you can do now so you are ready to go once it opens. First, A Few Basics of FAFSA What is the FAFSA? FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is an application that college students must fill out to be eligible …
The Big Question Mark Sculpture at Ipswich Campus.
financial aid

FAQ About Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you are filling out your FAFSA, there are some factors that help calculate your personal EFC. Every student’s EFC is different. There is no “magic number” that will guarantee whether you will receive aid or not, but your EFC is a huge contributing factor! Listed below are some frequently asked questions regarding the EFC, …
Here are 5 things to do during your work study jobs
financial aid

5 Things Students Should Do During Their Work Study Program

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Work study programs are a great way to earn money while you are in college. Work study programs are available via the federal government and participating colleges and universities. They provide an opportunity for students to earn some money while they are enrolled in college. Positions are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Most of …
A pile of american coins.
financial aid

Different Forms of Federal Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
By now, you’ve probably heard of FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but do you know all the different forms of federal aid and how they can help you? Read on to see the different types you may qualify for: Student Loans The most well known result of FAFSA is loans. However, …
scholarship offers
financial aid

How Home Equity Can Affect Financial Aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you own a home, or maybe a couple of homes, one of your major concerns is likely to be whether or not your home equity will affect your child’s eligibility for financial aid. So here’s what you need to know about equity and its impact on financial aid. Not All Colleges Are Interested In …
As parents, how do you even start paying for college?
financial aid

How Parents Can Help Pay for College

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 25, 2025
In this guide we’ll answer the following questions: How can I start saving for my child’s college education? How can we find an affordable school? What’s the difference between net price and sticker price? Why is it important to compare financial aid packages? Should we consider community or online colleges? What if our savings aren’t …
Here's a guide on how to pay for college
financial aid

How to Pay for College: 6 Smart Strategies

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 27, 2025
Heading off to college is an exciting journey, but as college costs continue to rise, figuring out how to pay for it can be overwhelming. With some planning and smart strategy, you can cross financing college off your list, and focus on what matters: your education. College Costs to Consider (and Ways to Save) First, …
Three students are discussing while holding their tabs on a green field - with cows in the background.
financial aid

How To Get A Work Study

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
Funding your lifestyle remains one of the largest concerns for students entering college. Students turn to many forms of financial assistance. Of the many forms of federal financial aid, work study is often overlooked by students. Often, students will think the program doesn’t apply to them and not look further into it. However, just like …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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