questions & answers

Your Guide to the Federal Work Study Program

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2025

Key Takeaways Federal Work-Study is a need-based program that helps students earn money through part-time jobs. You must complete the FAFSA and indicate interest in work-study to be considered. Not all schools participate in the program, so check with your school’s financial aid office. Jobs can be on or off-campus, and sometimes relate to your …

myths

College Myth: Students Shouldn’t Have Their Own Credit Card in College

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

A common worry among most college-bound students and families is their finances. The cost of college has risen dramatically in the past years and hunting for scholarships and deciphering financial aid can be tough. Then there are the smaller scale questions of how they actually pay for their everyday purchases. Will their home banking still …

scholarships

4 Scholarships for Muslim Students

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Islam is the third-largest faith represented in the United States and growing. Even so, Islam is still considered a religious minority and is often misrepresented or under-represented in the media. Fortunately, a number of organizations and scholarship foundations help Muslim students pursue a college education. Here are just a few scholarship opportunities for students of …

scholarships

3 Scholarships for Students in Louisiana

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Louisiana is a state with many nicknames. The Bayou State, Child of the Mississippi, the Creole State, the Pelican State, Sportsman’s Paradise, Sugar State, and the Boot. It is a multicultural state with unique landscapes and wildlife, and history just as interesting. If you’re a resident of Louisiana, take a look at a few scholarships. …

questions & answers

What is an Offer Letter?

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022

You did it! You worked hard and a college of your choice accepted you. Congratulations, that’s an accomplishment. Now the question is, can you afford it? That’s where the offer letter comes in. Short answer: an offer letter tells you where all the money to pay for college is coming from (minus private student loans). …

scholarships

3 Scholarships for Students in Michigan

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Michigan’s state motto, inscribed on the state’s flag in the original Latin, looks like something out of the works of Cicero or Ovid. Below the state’s seal, supported by an elk, a moose, and an eagle, lie the words Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice. Literally translated, it is an advertisement for the state: If you …

scholarships

5 Scholarships for Students in South Dakota

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

South Dakota. A vast land where buffalo once wandered freely. The beauty of the Badlands and the Black Hills holds a special place for many. Though the state hosts the 5th smallest population of the United States (6th if you count Washington D.C.), it is home to one of the most memorable monuments to four presidents–Mount …

scholarships

5 Scholarships for Students in Ohio

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ohio has a host of nicknames. The Buckeye State, the Mother of Presidents, Birthplace of Aviation, and the Heart of it All. If you’re lucky enough to call Ohio home, take a look at some of these unique scholarships. Beat the Odds Program Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Varies (Opens Fall 2020) The Children Defense Fund of …

scholarships

3 Scholarships for Culinary Arts Majors

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

The United States is known for many things worldwide, both positive and negative, but one thing that remains constant through all lenses is our culinary diversity. Whether it’s seafood and gumbo in New Orleans, pizza and deli sandwiches in New York, steak in Chicago, or sushi in San Francisco, our country has held steadfast to …

financial advice & planning

25 Ways to Stretch Your Budget

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 6, 2023

Budgets serve a great purpose to keep your spending to a minimum and save you money for your future. Are you struggling to stick to your budget? Or finding it difficult not to purchase the things you want? Well, we have 25 helpful tips on how to stretch your budget as a college student that …