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). …

student loans

How to Pick Between Student Loan Lenders

By Morgan StaubLast updated on March 12, 2025

So, you’re heading off to college. You’ve also deduced that you need to take out a student loan in order to make it work financially. You’ve heard all the horror stories and you know all the statistics. You’re aware that there’s over $1.3 trillion in total student loan debt spread over 44 million graduates, and …

financial aid

How to Compare and Contrast Offer Letters from Different Colleges

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

Opening your first college acceptance letter will be, without a doubt, one of the most gratifying and exciting moments of your academic life. While most students have an idea of which colleges will accept them, it doesn’t feel real until you hold proof in your hand, showing that a university looked over your transcripts, letters, …

questions & answers

What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll receive your SAR sometime afterwards. The FAFSA is used to calculate what kind of financial need you personally have, which can make you eligible to several federal scholarships, grants, work study programs, or even loans. Essentially, the SAR is your “results” for what …

scholarship search & applications

How to Organize and Prioritize Your Scholarship Applications

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to scholarships, there’s no such thing as “too many.” However, when you apply to a multitude of scholarships, things can get a little confusing. How are you supposed to organize them? Which one is due when? Did that one require a scholarship essay, or was it the other? You already applied to that …

financial aid

Common FAFSA Errors Parents Make

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Considering your FAFSA application will ultimately impact the amount of financial assistance you may receive, it is crucial to make sure that it is filled carefully, correctly and completely. If there are mistakes or missing information, your child may not get the complete financial assistance that they are entitled to. Make sure to avoid these …

financial aid

How to Prioritize Your Financial Aid Opportunities

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 5, 2025

There is most definitely an order to go through when doing a financial aid search. Seeking out aid in the right way can save you thousands of dollars and reduce your loan debt substantially. So check out our list below to see how to prioritize your financial aid opportunities! 1. Federal Aid: Scholarships & Grants …

questions & answers

Can Legal Guardians Take Out PLUS Loans?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

As their name would suggest, most student loans fall to the responsibility of the student themselves. However, there is one loan that revolves around the parents—PLUS loans. PLUS, in fact, stands for Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students and differs a little from other federal loans. It takes into consideration a family’s credit history, and is …

questions & answers

What is an “Outside” Scholarship?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 28, 2025

Outside scholarships are financial aid awards that help you fund your college education. Instead of coming from your college, they come from third party organizations, such as businesses or nonprofits. Since you don’t have to pay scholarships back*, they can be a great way to help pay for college. What Is an Outside Scholarship? An …

questions & answers

Understanding Work-Study Income and Navigating the Tax Maze

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

Key Takeaways Work-study earnings are taxable, but they won’t impact your financial aid eligibility. You may be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) which allows you to claim up to $2,500 per school year. You will use your W-2 form given by your employer to fill out your federal and state taxes each …