questions & answers

Federal Student Loan Interest Subsidy: What Is It?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

When it is time to start repaying your federal student loans, if you are not earning enough to cover your monthly payments, you have the option of choosing an income-driven repayment plan. While researching these, you may have come across the term ‘federal student loan interest subsidy.’ Let’s dive into what that means. Income-Driven Repayment …

scholarship search & applications

Why You Should Apply To Renewable Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ideally, you should apply to any and all scholarships that you qualify for, whether they are one-time or renewable. Winning any scholarship is cause for celebration – it’s free money to put towards college and reduces your overall student debt by the award amount.   The Appeal of Renewable Scholarships What makes renewable scholarships particularly …

student loans

How To Avoid Taking Out Too Much In Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

While many college students will graduate with some amount of debt, you should at least consider different ways in which to minimize your potential student loan debt. Here are 8 things you can do to help you reduce the amount you need to borrow towards the cost of college. How To Get Out Of Student …

student loans

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deferring Your Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to managing your student loan payments, deference and forbearance are popular options. But before you decide to defer your loan payments, there are a few things you should learn. About deferring your student loans: Deferring your loan allows you to pause payments temporarily till you manage to get back on your feet. …

student loans

Can I Refinance My Student Loans More Than Once? Should I?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Yes, you can refinance your student loans more than once. But then that begs the question: Should you? Just because you can refinance your student loans again, doesn’t mean you have to or even should. That depends on your reason for wanting to refinance more than once. When Multiple Refinancing May Be a Good Idea …

myths

Myth: I Won’t Earn Scholarships Because My Parents Make Too Much Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to college, students look everywhere for financial aid. That includes scholarships. Unfortunately, many students fall prey to the myth that because their parents have a certain income, they won’t earn scholarships or even be eligible for many other forms of financial aid. However, that myth costs them significant gift aid money. With …

student loans

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Picking Variable or Fixed Interest Rates

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to your student loans, one number you should be paying attention to is the interest rate. This will vary from loan to loan and could affect which offer you accept. In addition to varying numbers, loans can potentially offer you a variable interest rate for one, and a fixed interest rate on …

questions & answers

Are There Penalties to Paying Off Student Loans Early?

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 6, 2025

Student loans, both private and federal, have very specific repayment plans attached to them. These plans outline interest rates, monthly payment amounts, strict terms and conditions, and estimates on how long it’ll take to repay the loan. Additionally, the plans lay out how many years it will take for you to pay off the loan …

scholarship search & applications

How to Make Your Scholarship Application Stand Out

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Just like college applications, you have to make a good first impression with scholarship applications. There will be a lot of others competing for the same award so you want to give yourself your best chance. Here are some ways to make yourself stand out in your scholarship applications. Apply To The “Good Fits” Although …

student loans

What is a Cosigner Release and How Does it Work?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 12, 2024

A student loan cosigner release removes a cosigner’s name from your student loan, making you solely responsible for future payments. Not all private lenders offer cosigner release options. Lenders that do offer this option will usually want you to meet certain requirements before approving your application. A student loan cosigner release is a process that …