scholarship search & applications

What Are Merit Based Scholarships?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 26, 2024

Merit based scholarships are monetary awards given to students who have a history of high grades, strong SAT or ACT scores, participation in their community, or other, similar achievements. They can be offered by individuals, businesses, schools, organizations, non-profits, and government agencies. Merit based scholarships are different from need based scholarships, which are awards given …

financial advice & planning

Let’s Talk About Money: 6 Conversations Families Should Have Before College

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Nobody really likes talking about finances and budgets, especially when things are tight. Money discussions between parents and their college-bound students navigate several delicate issues. Students may have their heart set on attending their ‘dream’ school. But what if mom and dad just can’t afford the high tuition fees? Should their child give up on …

financial aid

A Parent’s Guide for FAFSA

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 30, 2024

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the single most important tool to help in providing student aid and helping reduce the cost of college. All students AND their parents must file this form in order for the student to benefit from free and low-cost federal financial aid. College is expensive and even …

scholarship search & applications

How Can I Find Merit Scholarships?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Merit scholarships award students who are accomplished in specific fields such as academics, sports, or an extracurricular activity. Sponsors assess solely on their achievements in a specific field. Not typically taken into consideration is financial status or need. If you’ve achieved a high level of proficiency in any field, think of this as a reward …

student loans

The 6 Main Steps To Apply For Federal Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 3, 2025

College fees have increased a lot over the past few years; most families need a little bit of financial help to cover the costs. Statistics show that most students who attend college have borrowed money to cover part of their college tuition. When it comes to student loans, it’s vital to know your options and …

financial advice & planning

Dollars and Sense: Practical Tips for Managing Finances as a Student

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 8, 2025

College is a crash course in independence. This is most evident when it comes to managing your finances. Whether you’re choosing between meal plans or managing student loans, financial decisions can become all-consuming quickly. It may feel easier to ignore them and pass the literal buck down the road. But here’s the truth: what you …

questions & answers

Are There Graduate School Scholarships?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you planning on attending graduate school after you earn your Bachelor’s? You may be wondering about how you’re going to pay for the degree. Student loans are one way, of course, but they shouldn’t be your first option. Believe it or not, there are graduate school scholarships too! Here’s what you need to know! …

student loans

Student Loan News: US Cracking Down on Delinquent Student Loans

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025

While student loans can certainly fill the funding gap and help students pay for college, they come with a host of challenges. Student loans always seem to be in the news—from massive national student loan debt to proposed programs to try and tackle the issue. In current student loan news, the government is increasing its …

student loans

Ways To Keep Your Loan Repayment Plan Organized

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

By the time you graduate, you may have a few loans with different monthly payments and deadlines. Keeping track of all these dates and amounts can be more stressful than you may imagine. Missing a payment could put you at risk for default, which would then damage your credit score. The only way to prevent …

scholarship search & applications

10 Study Abroad Scholarships + How to Find More to Secure Your Journey

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 9, 2024

Studying abroad is an enlightening and exciting experience, one that many college students look forward to. However, the high cost deters many students from even applying to travel abroad. Fortunately, there are several study abroad scholarships that offer full or partial free funding if you meet their requirements. This study abroad scholarship money can cover …