financial advice & planning

From dependent to independent: filing taxes for the first time

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 10, 2026

Key takeaways: If you make above a certain amount, you must file federal taxes each year through the IRS. Filing as an independent could result in a larger tax return and additional tax credits. You can complete your taxes with paper forms, with tax preparation software, or a professional If you’re filing your taxes for …

student loans

Education Dept. Plans to Reform Student Loan Repayment System Fall Through

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

12/19/2018 Nobody said that the government, federal student loans, student debt, and repayment plans were simple concepts. They interweave in often frustratingly complicated ways. More often than not, loans leave borrowers scratching their heads. When it comes time to their student loans, people are often confused and do not know how to even start repaying. …

financial aid

6 FAFSA Benefits You Don’t Want to Miss

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024

Are you applying to college but have decided not to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Several surprising reports have stated that many families decide against submitting the application. For many, it’s because they’ve heard that the application is only for students from low-income families – which isn’t true at all. Several …

student loans

Should You Give Up Your Grace Period And Start Repaying Loans Sooner?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

With most student loans, you get a grace period before you have to start making your loan repayment. The student loan grace period is usually set for a fixed period of time. It starts from your graduation day or from the day you leave school. So why would you ever want to give up your …

student loans

How To Be Eligible For Student Loan Refinancing And Consolidation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

A lot of college students end up taking out student loans, sometimes even multiple ones. Of course, that also means repaying those loans. Knowing how to consolidate and refinance student loans is important if you have borrowed money to finance your college education. Both of these processes can help take the stress out of dealing …

myths

Myth: Student Loan Cosigners Help You Pay Off The Loan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 4, 2025

Most college students who take out private student loans will need a cosigner in order to be approved for the funds. So what exactly does a cosigner do when it comes time to repay the loan?  Myth: Student Loan Cosigners Help You Pay Off The Loan If you’re hoping the cosigner is a buddy who …

questions & answers

Can You Change Student Loan Repayment Plans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you sign up for a student loan—whether federal or private—you’ll also sign up for a certain repayment plan. Options will vary from loan to loan. As time goes on, you may find that the monthly payments are too high, or that you’d save more money on a different plan. So it begs the question: …

scholarship search & applications

Chatting with Scholarship Winner Brennan Ryan!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

I had the chance to chat with our most recent $2,500 scholarship winner—Brennan Ryan—about his college journey, search process, and the advice he’d give to young college-bound students! Here’s what he had to say: Tell us a little about yourself! My name is Brennan Ryan. I’m currently in my fourth year of a five-year program …

scholarship search & applications

How to Take the Stress Out of the Scholarship Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your senior year of high school, you’re already under a ton of stress. Between classes and college applications and maybe even a job, you have a lot going on. Add on the scholarship search and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are ways to take the stress out of the scholarship search. Try …

student loans

How Much Can You Take Out In Private Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025

College is expensive. On top of tuition and board, a student needs to worry about balancing funds for food, college activities and other extra spending. After scholarships and grants, student loans can at least help cover the cost of tuition. Most federal student loans have limits in how much you can take out, but what …