financial aid

What Is a College Grant?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on May 17, 2024

A grant is a form of gift aid awarded to college students that, in most cases, does not have to be paid back. Grants can be awarded based on merit or demonstrated financial need and award amounts are program specific. The federal government, state governments, private organizations, and schools can all offer grants for college. …

financial advice & planning

How To Pay For College If You Haven’t Started Saving Yet

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 25, 2024

Paying for college with no savings is still possible when you consider cutting back your discretionary costs, working part time, taking classes at community college and considering more affordable college options. Several financial aid resources are available for college students including FAFSA, state grants, and scholarship programs. Private student loans are an option to help …

financial aid

State Grants for Virginia College Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 13, 2024

Are you thinking about staying in your home state of Virginia to attend college? The state, through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, has several college grants available to its residents and students to make college more affordable. Here’s what you need to know. Virginia State Grants 1. Virginia Commonwealth Award  For undergraduate …

scholarship search & applications

8 Scholarships with April Deadlines

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 5, 2024

There are thousands of scholarships to apply for and the best part — you can apply year round! That can make it overwhelming to narrow down, but we’ve got you. To help you out, we’ve researched some scholarships with April deadlines. 8 Scholarships with April Deadlines 1. THE HERBERT LEHMAN EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP Award Amount: …

student loans

How Refinancing Student Loans Can Impact Your Credit Score

By College Raptor StaffPublished on March 1, 2024

Refinancing student loans can have a positive impact on your credit score, but it can also hurt your credit. Understanding how refinancing can hurt your credit is key to taking steps to minimize the negative impact. Refinancing is a common solution for managing student loan debt. It allows you to exchange your existing student loans …

scholarship search & applications, scholarships

Scholarship Spotlight: Scholarships with March Deadlines

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 5, 2024

Scholarships are a great way to help cover college costs and the best part is, you can apply year-round. Check out these scholarships with March deadlines that could help you alleviate some of the financial burden of your college education. 7 Scholarships with March Deadlines 1. College Raptor Scholarship Award Amount: $2,500 Deadline: March 31  …

financial aid

State Grants for Vermont College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 28, 2024

Vermont only has two state grants for its residents and students: the Vermont Grant and the Short-term Training: Advancement Grant. However, the state does offer a number of resources to help its students better afford college including a whole booklet of Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC) assisted scholarships. We’ve outlined these two college grants for …

financial advice & planning

Work Study vs. Non Work Study Job: Which is Better?

By College Raptor StaffPublished on February 28, 2024

Many students choose to work during their college years, either because they want to or because of financial need. When looking for jobs, you usually have two choices: work study vs non work study. Both options offer opportunities to earn income, but they differ in terms of who is eligible, where they are located, and …

student loans

The New SAVE Plan For Federal Student Loans

By Gallagher, CatherineLast updated on February 23, 2024

The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) plan is the latest income-driven repayment plan initiated by the federal government The SAVE plan offers several unique benefits that will lower payments and make them more affordable for many borrowers This is the most affordable plan for student loan borrowers The SAVE Plan replaces the REPAYE program …

financial aid

State Grants for Texas College Students

By Hilary CairnsPublished on February 23, 2024

Texas is home to some amazing colleges and universities – and state grants, loans, and other financial aid programs for students. Many students don’t even realize their home state can help them afford college! Here are some Texas college grants you need to be aware of. State Grants for Students in Texas 1. Toward EXcellance, …