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student loans

Important Things to Know About Stafford Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Stafford Loans are a type of federal student loan offered by the U.S. Department of Education.  The Stafford Loan program was established in 1988. It was named after Senator Robert Stafford who was instrumental in passing legislation that transformed the Higher Education Act of 1965. As of 2010 however, the Stafford Loan program was renamed …
A purple background with yellow text overlayed that says "what are PLUS loans?" with a yellow plus sign in the middle.
questions & answers

What are PLUS Loans?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
Despite what they say, many parents secretly dread the day their child walks out the door to head away to college. This is an emotionally trying time for both parents and their burgeoning students, even for the most experienced at sending kids to school. As the elder child in my family, I was the pioneer …
A PLUS loan is an option for you to pay for college
student loans

What You Need to Know about the PLUS Loan

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
There are many different financial aid options available to college-bound students. The easiest ones to understand are usually scholarships and grants: You put in the effort to apply for it, you receive the award, and you don’t have to pay it back. Loans, on the other hand, must be paid back over the course of …
A calculator and pen sitting on top of a piece of paper.
questions & answers

Should I Hire a Financial Advisor for College?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
There is no doubt that your college tuition payment method is one of the more important financial decisions you will make in your life. Prior to leaving for college, most students do not have experience in financial decision-making. Personally, before I left my parents’ house to attend college, the largest thing I’d ever paid for …
What does a front-loaded financial aid package mean?
financial aid

What are Front-Loaded Financial Aid Packages?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
A vast majority of students in the United States receive some sort of financial aid when paying for college. This aid can come in many different forms, from scholarships, both private and publicly funded, grants, federal aid, and private aid companies. Needless to say, students should be 100% certain of where their money is coming …
Student loan debt in America is now around $1.3 trillion.
questions & answers

America’s Student Loan Debt is $1.3 Trillion: How Much is That Exactly? (INFOGRAPHIC)

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 24, 2025
Many college-bound students turn to student loans as a way to pay for college, and while loans can certainly be helpful in that respect, they must first be understood. In 2016 the average college student graduated with about $37,000 in student loan debt. Collectively, Americans have about $1.26 trillion in student loan debt, across several …
A jar of coins with four coins scattered on the side.
questions & answers

Should I Get a Federal or a Private Student Loan?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on March 24, 2025
Paying for college can be difficult because the cost is so high, and it can also be hard to understand. There’s a ton of terminology like loans, grants, scholarships, financial aid, file the FAFSA, etc. to learn about as well. If you are paying for college on your own, the entire process can be even …
Public colleges aren't always more affordable
myths

Myth: Public College is WAY more affordable than a Private College

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on March 3, 2025
Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college. It could mean the difference between graduating with a mountain of student debt, or very little (or none) at all. But which is more affordable: public college vs private college? The answer isn’t as clear cut as many believe! Public vs …

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