questions & answers

What is the Difference Between Gift-Aid and Self-Help Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 26, 2025

There are many different forms of financial aid out there to help students pay for college. A majority of that aid comes from the federal government and the colleges themselves, though aid can also come from private sources as well. There are two major categories of aid: gift-aid and self-help aid. But aid is aid, …

financial aid

What Does it Mean When a School Has a “No Loan” Policy?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

You may find yourself reading the title of this post and thinking, “Wait, what?” How could a college not have students taking out loans to pay for their education? Is it even possible to pay for college without a loan? However, once you learn more about how and why colleges have a “no loan” policy, …

scholarship search & applications

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying for More Scholarships

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Scholarships and grants are, perhaps, the best way to pay for college. As a form of gift-aid, they do not have to be paid back, unlike loans. Students can apply for more scholarships as early as their freshman year in high school and as late as their final year of graduate school—and of course, anywhere …

questions & answers

What is a 529 Savings Plan?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Key Takeaways: 529 College Savings Plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts that can be used for education-related expenses. All states have 529 Plans and you don’t have to live in the state in which you open an account. That gives savers a lot of options to find a plan that works for them. If a beneficiary …

financial aid

Questions to Ask Your College’s Financial Aid Office

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

A college visit is a prime time to ask any burning questions you have. You can ask your guide about the best study spots on campus, you can ask professors about class size, and you can ask the financial aid office questions about paying for college. College finance is often at the forefront of people’s …

myths

Myth: I Should Only Apply to Full-Ride Scholarships

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

When applying to colleges, it is important to pursue all possible avenues that could give you or your family a financial break. The costs of college tuition have been rising steadily over the past decade or so. The average cost of an in-state public school over four years, which is widely considered (rightfully) to be …

scholarships

Amazing Scholarships for Volunteering Abroad

By Taylor HaskellLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re looking to get outside of your comfort zone, whilst gaining relevant skills in your chosen area of expertise, then volunteering abroad could be the perfect fit for you. The barrier for most individuals is the costs that are associated with traveling abroad. Luckily International Volunteer HQ brings you 4 volunteer abroad scholarships that …

financial advice & planning

11 Money Saving Moves For Every College Student

By Joy MaliLast updated on January 13, 2026

Let’s be real: college can feel like one giant group project with your bank account—and your wallet didn’t sign up for this class. Between tuition, housing, textbooks, and that suspiciously expensive Chipotle habit, managing money during your college years can feel like an uphill battle you don’t even want to think about facing. But coming …

scholarship search & applications

The Right Time to Apply for Scholarships

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 7, 2025

Key Takeaways It’s never too early for students to start their scholarship hunt—there are scholarships available for all ages throughout the entire year. You can find scholarships using scholarship finders (i.e., College Raptor), your high school, local organizations, and college financial aid offices. The best times to apply for scholarships are whenever there is an …

myths

6 Student Loan Myths

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on March 24, 2025

Dealing with student loans can be overwhelming. And the many loan myths surrounding student loans only add to the stress and overwhelm. A lot of the fear about student loans stems from misconceptions that surround them. As a rule, when in doubt, always call your student loan servicer and ask. They are the most reliable …