All Paying for college Articles

How do you consolidate a loan?
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 …
Is it better to get a fixed or variable student loan
student loans

The Difference Between a Variable Rate and a Fixed Rate

By Allison WignallLast updated on May 10, 2023
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 …
grants for college
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 …
We're comparing apples and oranges, just like we're comparing and differentiating need-based and merit-based aid
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 …
Here are some questions to ask your private student loan lender
student loans

Questions You Should Ask Your Private Student Loan Lender

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
College is pricey, which means students are looking for ways to pay for their college education. Student loans are one of many ways to pay for college—but unlike gift aid, loans have to be paid back. A private loan should only be considered after you’ve fully exhausted scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs. Even then, …
Your grades and test scores may affect your financial aid opportunities.
financial aid

How GPA and Test Scores Affect Financial Aid Opportunities

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Over the course of your high school career, people have probably told you to make sure you keep your grades up. You’ve probably stressed about your standardized test scores and your GPA. Those two factors play a very large role in the college admissions process. But do better grades result in better financial aid opportunities? …
Five dollar bill slightly cramped.
student loans

How to Improve Your Credit Score for Your Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 6, 2023
If you’re relying on student loans to fund your college education, it’s important to take steps to improve your credit score. It’s never too early to get started with building credit. Building strong credit takes time. It is not an overnight undertaking. It takes months and years. The sooner you start, the more time you …