questions & answers

Who Can Qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you know the biggest sponsor of scholarships and grants is actually the federal government? Or that they offer student loans with adaptable repayment plans? In fact, utilizing the government’s student aid is one of the best ways to help pay for college! Their student aid programs include grants, work-study funds, and student loans. But …

scholarship search & applications

The Difference Between Grants and Scholarships

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on March 24, 2025

College costs a lot of money. In turn, students try to find as much financial aid as possible. In your search for financial aid, you’ve likely come across the phrase “grants and scholarships”. The money from grants and scholarships doesn’t have to be paid back, but you’re also wondering what the difference between the two …

student loans

Calculating The Cost Of College Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

For many families, taking a loan is the only way to make up for the deficit in funds after exhausting all other sources for free financial aid and scholarships. While taking a loan does help bridge that gap between the total fees and your available funds, it is important to understand how much you will …

questions & answers

Will I Be Notified If I Don’t Earn a Scholarship I Applied To?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

After applying for a scholarship, you just can’t wait for that all-important award or rejection notification to arrive informing you whether or not you won the scholarship. As time goes by, anxiety starts to creep in. You start wondering whether no notification means there is still hope or whether it means your application was not …

financial aid

What is “demonstrated need” for financial aid?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 10, 2026

Key takeaways: Demonstrated need refers to the difference between a college’s sticker price and the amount a student can afford to pay towards their degree. Colleges and universities use the FAFSA or CSS Profile to view your demonstrated need and determine financial aid packages. You can use net price calculators on school websites and College …

scholarship search & applications

How to Recognize The Signs Of Scholarship Scams!

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you ever give scholarship scams a second thought? Would you ever imagine that they even existed? For most students and their parents, getting scammed while exploring scholarship opportunities is unthinkable. That is, until they get scammed themselves. Getting scammed while looking for funding to realize your education dreams can be a crushing blow. The …

student loans

Student Loan Glossary

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

As you look into the different student loans available, you are likely to come across a slew of words you’ve never heard before. One loan may talk about obtaining a co-signor. Another may include options regarding amortization and capitalized interest. Yet another mentions that you can contact the bursar for further information. Not knowing what …

scholarships

Scholarships for Agricultural Majors

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Success in agriculture has always been one of the things America takes pride in. Since the American Revolution, farmers have been held up as a symbol of self-reliance and grit. While the future of agriculture is up in the air, it will still surely exist. It also requires dedicated individuals to help push forward. Here …

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 …

myths

Myth: I Can’t Apply for Scholarships During Second Semester

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you think scholarships were only for high school students and incoming freshman? Not quite! There are actually quite a few scholarships you can apply to while you’re in college. Some of the scholarships listed below have due dates in January, designed to be applied for right during the start of your second semester of …