questions & answers

What is a college enrollment deposit? Everything you need to know

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 11, 2026

Key takeaways A college enrollment deposit secures your seat for the incoming class. Most deposits range from $100 to $1,000 and are due by May 1. Deposits are usually nonrefundable, but they are not legally binding. Some students may qualify for fee waivers or deferrals. You should compare financial aid offers before submitting your deposit. …

scholarships

Are There Transfer Scholarships for Community College Students?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Often, students who attend community college decide they want to continue their education at a four year college or university after they’ve received their Associate degree. While you can still apply for FAFSA and may be eligible for some grants, you may be wondering if there are scholarships available to you. The short answer is: …

student loans

What’s The Difference Between Preapproved And Prequalified For Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

‘Preapproved’ and ‘prequalified’ are sometimes used interchangeably when discussing student loans. That’s not right however. The only similarity between the two is that they are both parts of the student loan process. Other than that, both of these terms are completely different. What Is Prequalification? Prequalification is basically an estimate of how much you may …

student loans

What Parents Can Do To Lower Student Loan Interest Rates

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Parents: Did you know you can help your students get lower interest rates on their loans? Or that you may qualify for lower interest rates if you opt for a parent PLUS loan? Here are just three steps you may want to take to save you and your child some cash in the long run. …

questions & answers

Are You Guaranteed a Scholarship From the College You Attend?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Did you know that many scholarships come from the colleges themselves? They’re known as institutional scholarships. While many students rely on institutional scholarships to help pay for college, you are never guaranteed a scholarship from a college you attend. Although you may be granted one, it is never set in stone. However, there are ways …

questions & answers

Can You Use Scholarships to Pay off Student Loans?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 25, 2025

When you’re trying to pay off your student loans, it’s a good idea to explore all your options. Some students wonder if they can pay off their loans with scholarships. If you received a scholarship your junior year, for example, can you use it to pay off a student loan from your freshman year? The …

scholarships

What You Need to Know about Non-Traditional Scholarships

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 12, 2025

Are you heading back to school after your original education was interrupted? Or are you considering studying abroad? Some students fit the mold of “non-traditional.” Finding scholarships and grants may prove difficult for these types of students, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips, tricks, and information you need to know if you are …

myths

Myth: I Can Fully Pay for College With a Few Scholarships

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many parents and students believe the myth that a student can fully pay for college tuition with just a few scholarships. Sadly, this is not the case. While scholarships can definitely be helpful and can go a long way towards paying tuition, it is extremely rare for it to cover the entire cost. Join us …

financial aid

What is the Student Aid Index?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 16, 2026

The Student Aid Index, or SAI, is the number colleges use to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for based on the information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here’s a rundown of how the SAI works and why it matters for students and families trying to pay for …

scholarships

Q&A Interview With Scholarship Winner John McGowan! 

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

John McGowan is the winner of the $2,500 College Raptor scholarship! Congratulations are in order. Recently I had the chance to chat with John about his college search journey and what challenges he faced along the way. Check out this interview with a scholarship winner! Tell us about yourself! My name is John McGowan. I …