myths

3 Myths About Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025

There are plenty of misunderstandings when it comes to financial aid for college, particularly when it involves the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA. Here are just three you may have heard: FAFSA Equals Free Money Some parents and students apply for the FAFSA under the impression that any offers …

questions & answers

Should You Refinance Federal Loans With A Private Lender?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025

The main reason borrowers choose to refinance their loan option is to negotiate new terms with the refinanced loan. Some borrowers choose to refinance to take advantage of current lower interest rates. Others may choose this option because are struggling with their existing loans and looking for a way to lower their monthly payments. Refinancing …

student loans

How to Prepare for Student Loans Over This Summer

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 25, 2025

You should definitely be enjoying your summer before you head off to college, but there are a few things you’ll need to take care of. Between the vacations and college orientation, you’ll want to remember to think about your student loans. Here’s how you can prepare: Keep All Documents Together You’ve likely received a lot …

questions & answers

What Does It Really Mean To Have “Financial Need?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 27, 2025

You probably see a lot of documents, articles, or websites talking about “financial need,” especially when it comes to FAFSA, student loans, and scholarships. However, there is a bit more to financial need than you may realize. This is a quick run down dispelling some of the myths and explaining the terms that surround demonstrated …

student loans

Why Students Should Take Charge of Their Student Loan Process

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

When reaching the topic of finances, many students find it easy to assume that their parents will mainly be funding their education. However, students taking financial responsibility is vital to becoming an independent adult. In the case of loans, taking on student loans is a huge responsibility. Major decisions wait to be made at every …

student loans

How Federal Consolidation Differs From Private Loan Consolidation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Consolidating your loans is one of the best alternatives if you are looking for a way to simplify your monthly student loan payments and make them more manageable. When you consolidate your loans, you only have to keep track of one payment to be made on one date every month. You can consolidate federal student …

questions & answers

What Does Student Loan Origination Mean?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 3, 2025

Many students going to college end up taking out student loans. When you apply for a student loan, lenders process your application before it can be approved. In industry terms, this is known as student loan origination. Origination Think of the root word “Origin.” This is a brand new loan, created by the lender for …

financial aid

How to Pay for College: 6 Smart Strategies

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 27, 2025

Heading off to college is an exciting journey, but as college costs continue to rise, figuring out how to pay for it can be overwhelming. With some planning and smart strategy, you can cross financing college off your list, and focus on what matters: your education. College Costs to Consider (and Ways to Save) First, …

myths

Myth: Stuck With Refinance Student loan Until You Pay Them Off

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Don’t be one of those students who automatically assume that they are stuck with their original loans until they pay them off. Believing this myth has resulted in students unnecessarily paying thousands of dollars extra by way of higher interest rates on their original loans. The fact is there are ways you can exchange your …

myths

Myth: Only Federal Loans Have Forbearance Options

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

A lot has been written about forbearance options being one of the many benefits of federal student loans but what is generally overlooked is the fact that some private lenders also offer borrowers this option. Forbearance Options Forbearance allows you to postpone your monthly payments temporarily for a fixed period of time. This can come …