student loans

What Does “Co-Signing” a Loan Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When applying for a student loan, many lenders ask students to have a co-signer for co-signing a loan. What is a co-signer? A co-signer shares the responsibility with the student to ensure timely repayments. Essentially, if the student who is taking out the loan can not—for whatever reason—repay, it’s up to the co-signer to do …

student loans

New Year Resolution: Understand Student Loans

By Dave LandryLast updated on December 22, 2022

A new year almost always means new goals and resolutions for many students and former students. Along with getting healthier, one of the top New Year’s resolutions is to pay off debt and save money. Student loans account for a large amount of debt for many people. Getting them paid off can be an overwhelming …

questions & answers

Should I Apply to One Big Scholarship or Many Smaller Scholarships?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many of us dream about having enough money to pay for all of college’s expenses. You know what I’m talking about: Buy that car, get a new computer, pay tuition. And to many of us, working toward a larger reward or a big scholarship so we can do it faster makes more sense. One big scholarship …

scholarships

Scholarships for Tennis Players

By Morgan StaubLast updated on March 3, 2025

Over the past decade, tennis has rebounded in popularity to become one of the most played sports among students. Because of the visibility of superstars like Roger Federer and Venus & Serena Williams, tennis has become a cultural touchstone for millennials. Additionally, recent statistics show that over 1,000 NCAA colleges dole out tennis scholarships. The …

financial advice & planning

The 5 Best Pieces of Personal Finance Advice for Graduating Seniors

By Jessica KaneLast updated on December 22, 2022

Graduating from high school or college is a momentous occasion in your life. It signals the end of childhood and a steady transition into adulthood, which comes with it many responsibilities. For instance, it is now your responsibility to pay your own bills and otherwise manage your own finances. Here’s a piece of financial advice …

financial advice & planning

65+ Part-Time Job Ideas for High School and College Students

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 28, 2024

Part-time jobs can be a great way to put a dent in helping pay for your college education or just give students some extra cash.   Depending on your skills and interests, there are a wide variety of options when it comes to finding part-time work. In fact, the changing employment trends that are having …

student loans

How do I Consolidate a Loan?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Understanding various ways that you can make the college loan process easier on yourself is important knowledge to have going into school. A majority of prospective college students will need some source of financial help, and if you’re included in this chunk of the population and don’t opt to apply for scholarships, odds are you’ll …

student loans

The Difference Between a Variable Rate and a Fixed Rate

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 6, 2025

There are a lot of questions students ask before taking loans to pay for college. For those who need a private student loan, one such consideration is: “Should I choose a fixed rate or variable interest rates”? In order to know what’s right for you, you’ll have to compare the two types of interest rates …

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 …