financial aid

A Breakdown of the Different Forms of Financial Aid

By Allison WignallLast updated on June 29, 2023

When searching for colleges, the cost is almost always one of the biggest concerns. Attending college is growing more and more expensive, but it’s also more important than ever to have a college degree. Luckily there are many different ways to pay for college that doesn’t solely rely on out-of-pocket funding: scholarships, grants, loans, and …

financial aid

What You Need to Know About Prior-Prior Year and FAFSA Changes

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re thinking about college, you’ve probably heard of FAFSA. What is it? And how is it changing? FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA is a part of the United States Department of Education and provides more than $150 billion in student aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study …

financial aid

Is Work Study Financial Aid? A Quick Guide to FWS

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 28, 2023

Yes, work study is part of federal financial aid. However, it works differently from other forms of federal financial aid that’s awarded to students. When you get accepted into a college, you’ll receive a financial aid package detailing the different forms and amounts of financial aid you’ll receive. If you qualify for work study, the …

financial aid

How to find financial aid for college: 6 strategies for middle-class families

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 23, 2026

Key takeaways: While most middle-class families won’t qualify for the full Pell Grant amount, there are other sources of financial aid that can make college more affordable. To maximize financial aid, complete the FAFSA each year, apply for scholarships, and don’t rule out private colleges. You can further lower the cost of college by attending …

financial aid

Financial Aid and Unique Family Circumstances: How to Let Colleges Know About Your Financial Situation

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the federal government’s attempt to put every American family on a level playing field in an effort to award aid fairly. What happens, however, when the FAFSA does not adequately allow you to express your family’s unique financial circumstances? For example, the FAFSA asks you to submit …

financial aid

Where Does Financial Aid Come From?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Once you hit send on those financial aid applications, what happens next? Money doesn’t suddenly fall onto your doorstep, so where does it come from? In being a good consumer, it is good to know this information. Where do financial aid dollars come from? There are 4 primary sources of financial aid: Federal Government State Government …

financial aid

Guide to College Financial Aid

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The financial aid equation You can run but you cannot hide. It’s time to face the finances. Before you get into the details of how and when to apply, it’s important to have some basic understanding of how the system works. I promise that it’s not as gruesome as you fear. In fact, the underlying principle …

financial aid

What’s the Difference Between the FAFSA and CSS Profile?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 4, 2024

College is expensive, but there are ways to get free money* for tuition and related education expenses – including the CSS profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While these applications have some overlap, there are some notable differences you’ll need to know before you complete them. Below, we outline what you …

financial aid

Commonly Asked FAFSA Questions

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is an application that all students planning to go to college should complete. Below, we’ll do a quick review of what the FAFSA is and answer some of the more commonly asked questions. Here’s your FAFSA FAQ! What is the FAFSA? The FAFSA stands for the Free …

financial aid

Can I Get Financial Aid?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Over 80 percent of college students met some financial aid eligibility criteria and received financial assistance during the 2011-2012 school year. This means there is a good chance you can get financial aid. You may think that the only way to get financial aid is to be extremely smart or a stand-out athlete. But most …