financial advice & planning

5 Budgeting and Savings Tips for College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2025

The transition from high school to college is a big one. The thought of leaving home and being on your own for probably the first time is exciting, but with independence comes big responsibilities especially when it comes to making financial decisions. If you haven’t handled money independently before, it’s time to learn the basics …

student loans

How to Speed up the Lending Process (And Why it Matters)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 12, 2025

When comparing loans and lenders, you might be looking at the principal amount and the interest rates first and foremost – as you should. You want to be sure you’re getting a loan that fits your financial needs without having an astronomical interest rate. But one factor you might be overlooking in your comparison? Lending …

student loans

6 Reasons Student Lending Speed Matters

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

College is expensive and many students depend on federal and/or private student loans to help finance their education. These types of loans have different eligibility requirements, interest rates, and repayment terms and conditions. Even the lending speeds are different. Student lending speed refers to the time it takes for a lender to process and approve …

scholarships

18 College Scholarships for Students from Low-Income Households

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 27, 2025

Key Takeaways There are many scholarships for students in different fields like science, healthcare, and education. Each scholarship has rules about GPA, family income, or what you want to study. Deadlines are very important, so make sure to submit applications on time. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others provide smaller amounts to help. You …

financial aid

Sibling Discount for College Going Away in 2024-2025 FAFSA

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 26, 2025

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is undergoing a number of changes and revisions for the 2024-2025 academic year. Being released in December 2023, some of the adjustments are making it easier for families and students to be eligible for the Pell Grant. However, in previous renditions of the FAFSA, the Department of …

financial aid

State Grants for New Mexico Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025

Are you planning to stay and go to college in New Mexico? Good news! New Mexico residents have quite a few state grants that can be used to make college more affordable. Keep reading to see the qualifications of some of them, plus more information about the state’s financial aid programs. New Mexico Grants 1. …

financial aid

State Grants for New Jersey Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025

The state of New Jersey offers several grants and scholarships to resident students planning to stay in the state for college! Below is a list of some of them, plus additional resources and information you can take advantage of to make college more affordable for you and your family. New Jersey State Grants 1. Community …

financial aid

State Grants for Nebraska Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023

If you are a resident of Nebraska and looking for grants or scholarships to assist with college expenses, you’re in luck! Nebraska has three programs available to students to help make attending college and university more affordable. Keep reading to learn more about what these programs entail plus resources to help you find additional information. …

financial aid

State Grants for Missouri Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023

Until just recently, Missouri did not have any grant programs for its students, but that has changed! The state now has several grants and scholarship programs to help make college more affordable within its borders. Below is an overview of some of the programs available, plus additional resources to help you find more information about …

financial advice & planning, questions & answers

College Affordability: How Community College Can Help Fill the Gap

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 14, 2023

Financial stress and college affordability is a huge factor when choosing where to further your education. In fact, 70% of teens in 2023 (vs. 61% in 2022) have financial concerns about pursuing higher education.  This begs the question: Is making college affordable a real option for upcoming and current college students? We believe the answer …