financial advice & planning

Financial Literacy for College Students: How to Find, Budget, and Save Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2025

With college comes great responsibility. Yup, that includes money matters. For most college students, you’ll become more and more responsible for handling your money. That means figuring out how to get the money you need, where to get it from, and how to make it last. This is where financial literacy comes in. Financial literacy …

financial advice & planning

5 Ways To Help Your Child Build Credit Before College

By College Raptor StaffPublished on May 16, 2023

Credit history is a vital aspect of your child’s financial journey. It determines whether they’ll be able to secure low-interest rates on student loans in the immediate future. After college, it will continue to impact their ability to secure competitive rates on personal and vehicle loans, credit cards, and mortgages. An individual’s credit history could …

scholarships

20 No Essay Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 13, 2025

Key Takeaways As the name suggests, ‘no essay’ scholarships do not require an essay, meaning they are generally easier and faster to apply for. No essay scholarships can be competitive, so it’s important that you meet all requirements, maintain a high GPA, participate in extracurriculars, and complete your FAFSA form before applying for scholarships. Scholarships …

student loans

Can I Pay Student Loans with a Credit Card? (And 4 Good Reasons You Shouldn’t)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

You cannot pay off federal student loans with a credit card, but you may be able to pay some private student loans with your card. Not all private lenders offer borrowers this facility.   But, and this is important, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.  Paying student loans with a credit card may have …

scholarships

10 Graduate School Scholarships You Can Apply For

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 15, 2025

Key Takeaways Graduate students can apply for scholarships in marine science, healthcare, and social justice, among others. Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on financial need and academic focus. Some scholarships are open to U.S. citizens, residents, or Canadian students. When you submit your FAFSA, you may qualify for other awards. It’s also possible …

student loans

What’s The Median Student Loan Debt in America?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

With the cost of college going up every year, the median student loan debt in America is higher than ever. It is the second-highest consumer debt in the US. Here are some of the highlights of the latest statistics on student loan debt in America.  Snapshot of Total Student Loan Debt  Currently, the total student …

scholarships

Your Quick Guide to the Rotary Scholarship

By Hilary CairnsPublished on April 20, 2023

Scholarships and grants don’t only come from schools – many organizations host their own programs to help students afford their college education. This includes Rotary! The global club offers awards, fellowships, and more for individuals in need of financial assistance. Keep reading to discover how you can apply for a Rotary scholarship, too. What is …

questions & answers

Understanding Enrollment Deposits (What To Know Before You Pay)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 9, 2023

Your college acceptance letter should contain detailed information about your financial aid package as well as the costs you’re expected to cover. One of the items you’ll find included in the list of costs is an enrollment deposit. You’ll also see that this money must be paid much before all other fees. So, what is …

financial advice & planning

Why Is Financial Literacy Important for College Students?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025

In the shuffle of sending college applications, writing scholarship essays, and applying for student loans, the one thing that goes overlooked is the importance of financial literacy. This is a huge mistake that can have far-reaching consequences. Financial literacy is the most important thing a student can learn to ensure their financial stability over the …

scholarships

4 Important Deadlines for Scholarship Applications

By Hilary CairnsPublished on April 13, 2023

You know when your college applications are due, but what about potential scholarships? These deadlines may not be as important as your college admissions, but they are essential if you want to try to make college a bit more affordable with a scholarship! Some will even cover your entire tuition if you’re lucky.  Taking note …