financial aid, scholarships

Why You Have To Read Your Offer Letter Carefully

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 13, 2023

When you’re accepted to a college, if you’re eligible for financial aid, you likely will also receive an “offer letter” from the school. These pieces of paper are more important than many students and their families realize, and it should be a player in choosing your future school. Here’s what you need to know about …

financial aid

What You’ll Find in a College Offer Letter (It’s More Than Just Scholarships)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2025

As part of the admission process, colleges send out offer letters to all applicants who they have accepted into their college. This college offer letter is usually sent a week or so after sending out the acceptance letters, but what does an offer letter include? Here’s what you’ll find in a college offer letter (hint: …

financial aid

Where To Learn About Financial Aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2025

The transition into college means thinking about factors you might not have considered before: one of the largest factors is money. The college financial aid process can be complex, especially if you’re new to it. Not taking the time to understand how it works or how much financial aid you are eligible for could result …

financial aid

Bad Financial Aid “Advice” To Avoid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you are applying to college, you are sure to be looking for advice about student loans. While there is plenty of really good advice out there, we’ve come across some bad advice that you would do best to avoid. Filing the FAFSA is a waste of time if your family income is above average …

financial aid

FAQs About Work-Study Programs

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2025

A work-study program is a type of financial aid that allows students with financial needs the opportunity to earn money that can be used to cover part of their educational and living expenses. It is offered to eligible students as part of their financial aid package. Do all students automatically qualify for work-study?   No, …

financial aid

Pros And Cons Of Front-Loaded Financial Aid Packages

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025

Financial aid for college students comes in many different forms, from grants and scholarships to work-study and study loans. Each of these financial aid forms differs in terms of eligibility requirements and maximum aid offered.  In addition, schools differ in the way that they distribute financial aid to students. Front-loading is one way that financial …

financial aid

How I Paid for College: Financial Aid in Hindsight

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 26, 2025

When you’re 18, paying for college may sound like a scary prospect, especially if you know you’re going to have to take out loans. My story on how I paid for college is a bit more fortunate, but there are some things I know now that I wish I had known then. I Was Fortunate …

financial aid

How To Use Grants To Fund Your College Education

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025

Grants are definitely something you should consider applying to when you are looking for ways to get free money for your college education. Grants work much the same way as scholarships in that you do not have to repay any money you receive. You can use grants to fund your college education. Keep in mind, …

financial aid

How To Maximize Your Merit-Based Financial Aid

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 24, 2025

When it comes to merit-based financial aid, students are awarded based on their academic accomplishments, special skills, and demographics. You may qualify for merit-based financial aid if you’ve earned good grades in high school, or you’ve gained special recognition for your skills in any field, or for your dedication to community service, or belong to …

financial aid

Common Mistakes Students Make With Financial Aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025

With the cost of college tuition increasing every year, it has become uncommon for families in America to self-fund their students’ college education. Most students need at least some financial aid to help cover their tuition fees. Fortunately, there is plenty of financial aid available in the form of scholarships, grants and loans. Unfortunately, many …