financial aid

Should You Use Savings Bonds To Pay For College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

You have big hopes and dreams for your children from the day they are born. One of those dreams is to help them pursue a career they love. You understand that a good career may require a college degree, but the cost of college scares you. You’re not alone here. Most parents start exploring their …

financial aid

How Independent Students Can Self-Fund Their College Education

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025

Most undergrad students depend on getting at least some financial assistance from their parents but not all families can oblige. Sometimes, their financial situation just does not allow them to offer any significant help towards the cost of college tuition. Or perhaps a student is independent of any familial connections. If you find yourself in …

financial aid

Don’t Become Part of the Statistic: Educate Yourself about Financial Aid and Student Loans Early!

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 25, 2025

There are two shocking statistics that have people worried about the price of college. 1) The average American college student graduates with nearly $37,000 in student loan debt. 2) Collectively, Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in student loan debt. Those are pretty scary numbers, to say the least. So how do you avoid becoming part …

financial aid

What Happens to Financial Aid for Transfer Students?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025

According to the National Student Clearinghouse, about 33% of students choose to transfer schools at least once within their collegiate career. While transferring schools may make you happier in the long run, it’s no easy task, and shouldn’t be done lightly. In fact, a big consideration transfer students might forget about in the shuffle is …

financial aid

What Can Prevent You from Being Eligible for Federal Financial Aid?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 12, 2025

Key takeaways Federal financial aid for students includes direct loans, Pell Grants, the work-study program, and more. Certain factors can impact financial aid eligibility, such as citizenship status, education history, and demonstrated need. Always complete the FAFSA even if you don’t qualify for federal assistance as schools often use the form to determine institutional aid. …

financial aid

Should I Apply for Financial Aid After I Get Accepted or Before?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on February 26, 2025

The financial aid process may heap more stress atop an already trying time for many high schoolers. However, if done correctly, financial aid applications can be completed without stress. The months leading up to your freshman year of college will whiz by. It can seem like there’s not enough time to do everything. Because of …

financial aid

What Counts As “Demonstrated Need” For Financial Aid?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on February 26, 2025

There is a common misconception in the minds of many college students: They believe they do not qualify for need-based aid based on their family’s income. But the definition of “need” is actually a little more flexible than what income bracket your parents’ finances fall into. When a college or scholarship requires you to show …

financial aid

Financial Aid Timeline: Know What to Do and When

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 13, 2024

The financial aid process can be a bit daunting. Different forms of aid have different formalities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines. The key to benefiting from the various financial aid opportunities is to understand and keep track of the requirements and deadlines. Financial aid is typically distributed on a first come first served basis, so the …

financial aid

What is the Pell Grant?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 26, 2023

Between scholarships, federal aid, and loans there is a lot to do before heading to college in the fall, but one thing you don’t want to forget about is the Pell Grant. It’s one more reason to complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But what exactly is it? What Is the …

financial aid

What’s the Difference Between Need-Based and Merit-Based Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

College can be quite expensive, which means you’re looking for ways to afford it. As you look for aid to help pay for college, you’ll hear a lot of phrases and acronyms. These are two phrases you probably hear a lot while you’re researching scholarship and financial aid opportunities: need-based and merit-based. But what is …