scholarship search & applications

Your Complete Guide to Scholarships: Commonly Asked Questions

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 8, 2025

Key Takeaway’s Scholarships are a type of financial aid that allows you to earn money to pay for college expenses that does not need to be paid back. Scholarships generally fall into two main categories: merit-based (awarded for academic excellence) and need-based (awarded based on finances). When applying for scholarships, it’s important to carefully follow …

scholarship search & applications

The Three Best Tips for Winning a Scholarship

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

According to statistics from the 2014-2015 educational year, over half of all college students took advantage of either a grant or a scholarship. Perhaps more interestingly, in that same time-frame, nearly $3 billion in scholarship money was left on the table by students. The reasons for this are complex and can’t be easily discerned, but …

myths

Myth: Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid

By Morgan StaubLast updated on March 4, 2025

As senior year goes by and the reality of college gets closer, financial aid might be on your mind. College is expensive, and financial aid is the best way of paying for a higher education. But what if your grades aren’t so stellar? Do only students with good grades get financial aid? Do only students …

scholarship search & applications

How to Determine if a Scholarship is Worth Your Time and Effort

By Morgan StaubLast updated on March 5, 2025

As a senior in high school, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Between pep rallies, acceptance letters, anxiously checking the mailbox, ceremonies, graduation parties, crying parents, plans for the summer, and nerves for the upcoming fall semester of college, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Without a doubt, it’s best to decide what exactly is …

financial aid

FAFSA Deadlines You Need to Be Aware of

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 15, 2024

Key Takeaway: When you file FAFSA, the Federal FAFSA deadline (June 30 of the award year) isn’t the only important date to consider. You also need to factor in the College’s FAFSA deadline and the State FAFSA deadlines. These dates vary by institution, state, and program, so check with your school’s and state’s websites to …

questions & answers

Is There Any Way To Switch Your Student Loan Servicer?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2025

When you take a federal student loan, it is generally handled by a loan servicer who manages the loan and answers any questions you might have. This loan servicer is assigned to you. You cannot choose one neither can you switch the servicer assigned to manage your loan. In most cases it does not matter …

financial aid

What Are Financial Aid Refunds?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025

Financial aid refunds are refunds that are given to students when the amount of loan given to a student is more than what the student needs for the cost of education. Here’s how it works. The FAFSA and Financial Aid Packages After you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid award letter. This …

financial advice & planning

14 Ways to Stretch Your Dollar in College

By Jessica HerbineLast updated on December 22, 2022

You work hard for your money, and when you’re a broke college student, you need to save just about every cent of it. But cutting costs in college doesn’t mean you’re locked away in your dorm or holding out on the things you want. Saving money as a college student doesn’t have to be difficult. …

scholarships

Scholarships for Current and Prospective Veterinary Students

By Sarah LeeLast updated on December 22, 2022

Veterinary medicine is a rewarding profession, but like any career in medicine, the cost of school is often a prohibiting factor for those who would otherwise pursue this as a career. With the costs of veterinary school rising to over $200,000 for in-state and over $275,000 for out-of-state, prospective and current veterinary students are constantly …

financial advice & planning

3 Things You Should Start Saving For During College

By Katy TripsesLast updated on March 24, 2025

With the cost of attending college continuing to rise year-over-year, it can be hard for college students to start saving money for during college into their budgets each month. In fact, college students aren’t the only group that struggles to save; according to a recent survey, 34% of all Americans have nothing set aside in …