All Paying for college Articles

One dollar bills are on top of each other.
questions & answers

How Does Divorce Affect Financial Aid Applications?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Filing out financial aid applications, more specifically the FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid), can be daunting already for many students. However, with those who have divorced parents, it’s important to understand how that may affect your application and awarded financial aid. Who is Your Custodial Parent? The parent who completes the financial aid …
An open black wallet with full of money.
student loans

When Do I Need to Pay Back My Federal Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025
What exactly is a ‘good income”? If you have a student loan that you are still paying off, a good income is one that allows you to make your loan payments comfortably every month while still leaving a substantial amount to cover all your necessities as well as some luxuries. While you have earned the right …
There are signs that you should be aware of to see if it's time to consolidate your student loans
student loans

Signs that You Should Consolidate Your Student Loans

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you’re headed off to college, chances are good that you’ve decided to take out student loans (check out our guide to student loans here). More than half of all US undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, with this number climbing sharply. Student loans have become a rite of passage for many undergrads, …
Should you lower your student loan payments?
questions & answers

Should You Lower Your Student Loan Payments Or Not?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
For many college students, student loans are inevitable. That also means someday repaying those loans, budgeting for repayment, and dealing with interest rates. When it comes to whether or not you should lower your student loan payments, there is no one answer that is right for everyone. In general, lowering loan payments is not recommended …
student loan repayment
myths

Believing In These Two Student Loan Repayment Myths Can Cost You

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
With several myths about student loan repayment floating around, it can often become difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are two of the more common student loans repayment myths that college students believe in because they offer some sort of hope. Unfortunately, believing in these falsehoods can cost you considerably. Student Loan Repayment Myth …
Grow your scholarship money from outside scholarships!
scholarship search & applications

The Pros and Cons of Outside Scholarships

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
One great way to pay for college is scholarships. Scholarships are gift-aid, meaning that you don’t need to repay anything. Many people think of college scholarships as coming only from the government or from colleges themselves—and most do. However, there are many other “outside” scholarships that can also offer aid. Community centers, private companies, and other …
Dollar bills stacked on each other.
questions & answers

What is the Difference Between Refinancing and Consolidating Student Loans?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ll see these two words a lot when researching student loan options. After exhausting scholarship, grant, and work study opportunities, many students and families turn to student loans in order to pay for a higher education. (And a quick reminder, you should always check out federal loan options before even considering looking at private loans). …

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