All Paying for college Articles

What exactly are direct consolidation loans
student loans

What Are Direct Consolidation Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Direct Consolidation Loans are one single loan that you end up with if you choose to combine multiple federal student loans. Advantages of Direct Consolidation Loans The main reason why students combine their federal student loans into a single Direct Consolidation Loan is convenience. Borrowers who refinance and consolidate their loans only have to keep track …
A white sign with text that says "exit" with an arrow pointing left.
questions & answers

What is Student Loan Exit Counseling?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
When you take out federal student loans, you are required to start paying them back through monthly payments, starting a few months after you graduate (if not sooner). For most student loan borrowers, the process of paying back their loans can be even more baffling than the process of applying for loans. What are the …
A bunch of hanging dolls in doll exhibit main library.
scholarships

Scholarships for Students Who Love to Collect Things

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 27, 2025
Got a cool collection you love to brag about? Well, that passion can actually win you scholarship awards! Here are a few great opportunities for gift aid based on your love of collecting! ANA College Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Deadline: March  Let’s start off with a classic collection item: coins! These metallic forms of currency are …
A chocolate cupcake with a raspberry on top.
scholarships

Scholarships for Students with a Sweet Tooth

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 26, 2025
Got a taste for sugary goodness? We all have our indulgences and guilty pleasures (I’m a sucker for chocolate peanut butter cups, myself). However, in this case, it may not be a “too much of a good thing” situation. In fact, your sweet tooth might lead you to some tasty scholarship opportunities. John Kitt Memorial …
Image of a smiling black woman standing in the hallway.
student loans

How to Be a Responsible Student Loan Borrower

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 25, 2025
There are plenty of mistakes you’ll want to avoid when it comes to student loans. It’s far better to prevent trouble than to dig your way out, after all. Here’s how to be responsible with your student loans from the get go. Do Your Research Instead of applying to any student loan you’re eligible for, …
Here's everything you need to know about a student loan graduated repayment plan.
student loans

Things to Know About the Student Loan Graduated Repayment Plan

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 25, 2025
When you select a student loan, you also select a repayment plan. There are various repayment plans for students to choose from, so they can have the best option for their personal situation. One of the federal student loan repayment options is a graduated plan. What is a Graduated Repayment Plan? A graduated repayment plan …
Pile of three bronze coins over a pile of dollar bills.
myths

More Myths About Student Loan Refinance And Consolidation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025
When looking for ways to manage your loan repayment you will come across the terms ‘refinancing’ and ‘consolidation’. While both of these are offer practical alternatives to managing your student loans, they may not always be the best option for all borrowers. Moreover, there are several myths out about student loan refinance and consolidation that …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.