questions & answers

What are Competitive Student Loan Interest Rates?

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 25, 2025

You may have heard the term “competitive interest rates” while browsing around for a good student loan option. But what exactly makes an interest rate competitive? Interest Rate Percentage The percentage of the rate isn’t the only factor that makes a rate competitive. If Company A offers a loan with a 2.65% rate, and Company …

financial aid

Use Summertime to Search for Financial Aid Opportunities

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 25, 2025

Summer is a great time to relax, catch up on your reading list, play a few video games, or take on a part-time job. Before college starts up again though, you may want to consider using some of your summer to expand your search for financial aid opportunities. Here are a few things you should be …

student loans

What Happens to Your Original Loan When You Refinance?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Let’s assume you’ve taken out student loans and need to start repaying them. There are several options available when it comes to making paying off student loans more bearable. Refinancing is a popular option. But what does refinancing entail, and how is it different from your original loan? What even happens to your original loan …

student loans

These Tips Will Help You Stay On Top Of All Your Student Loan Payments

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

Taking student loans seems to be the only way to make your higher education dreams come true. It’s easy when it’s time to take the loans but paying back the loans can test your organizational skills to the max. Not only does each type of loan have a different deadline but each one has a …

financial advice & planning

Tips For Finding A Summer Job

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Whether you are looking for a summer job to earn some money that you can put towards your college tuition, or you are looking for some work experience or an insight into a career, these tips will help you find a summer job that meets your requirements. Start Your Search Early The single most important …

student loans

What Makes a Good Cosigner? 5 Important Qualities

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 3, 2025

A good cosigner for a student loan generally has good to great credit, a steady employment history, and sufficient income. In addition, most lenders will require that they be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Depending on the type of student loan you take out, you may or may not need a cosigner. If you find …

student loans

Pros and Cons of Student Loan Forbearance

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on March 6, 2025

Forbearance on your student loans occurs when you lower or stop your loan payments for a certain period of time. It is different from deferment of your student loan because your interest keeps accruing during forbearance, whereas with deferment your interest stops accruing. While it might seem like an easy solution if you’re having trouble …

questions & answers

Should You Take Out More Than One Student Loan?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on February 26, 2025

A vast majority of college students find themselves forced to take out student loans in order to get through school. As tuition rates are at an all-time high, you’re probably feeling the stress of trying to pay your way through college. It’s possible that, like many students, you’re considering taking out more than one loan …

questions & answers

What are “Hybrid Rates” for Student Loans?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on March 24, 2025

So you’ve graduated high school, and before you can stop Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” from playing on repeat in your head, your parents have approached you to have a conversation about student loans. It’s time to get down to business. If you have no idea how to approach the topic, don’t …

student loans

What is a Student Loan Grace Period?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 15, 2024

A student loan grace period is a set period of time before you must start repayments on your student loans. This grace period begins after you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school and the time-frame can vary depending on the type of loan and the lender. Although you don’t have to make payments …