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Don't forget about local scholarships!
scholarship search & applications

Don’t Overlook Local Scholarship Opportunities!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it comes to scholarships, it can be very tempting to set your sights on big national opportunities with large payouts. As such, smaller, local scholarships can sometimes get overlooked. But small things can pack a big punch, and that is very true of local scholarships. Local scholarship opportunities: Companies, organizations, groups, and individuals in …
Archery target four arrows, each outside the bullseye ring.
financial aid

Missed Financial Aid Deadlines? Here’s What You Should Do

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Paying for college can be overwhelming and if you are looking for any type of financial assistance, staying on top of all those deadlines can be even more so. Besides keeping track of college application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and financial aid deadlines, you also need to keep track of the special requirements for each one. …
A question mark written in a small chalkboard that is lying on the floor.
questions & answers

EFC: Is That What You’ll Actually Pay?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
According to a few recent studies, students are more worried than ever about the hefty price tag stuck on a four-year education. Nearly 9 in 10 students described financial aid as either “extremely” or “very” necessary for them to make it through college, and about 70% of students said they feel stress about their personal …
Should you use savings bonds to pay for college
financial aid

Should You Use Savings Bonds To Pay For College?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
You have big hopes and dreams for your children from the day they are born. One of those dreams is to help them pursue a career they love. You understand that a good career may require a college degree, but the cost of college scares you. You’re not alone here. Most parents start exploring their …
A graduating student with their hands out throwing glitter.
student loans

What You Should Do During Your Student Loan Grace Period

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025
If you took out student loans during your college career and graduate or leave school early, you usually have a student loan grace period afterward. This period tends to be six months long, but some can be longer. Here are some things you should be doing during that window. Gather Your Information Over the last …
Eyeglass is on the top of white papers.
questions & answers

How Are Scholarship Winners Determined?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
You put a lot of time and effort into crafting a scholarship application. You likely create and submit dozens in order to help fund your college education. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on the other end of a scholarship application? What do scholarship sponsors go through to pick a winner? …
How do independent students self-fund their college education
financial aid

How Independent Students Can Self-Fund Their College Education

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 26, 2025
Most undergrad students depend on getting at least some financial assistance from their parents but not all families can oblige. Sometimes, their financial situation just does not allow them to offer any significant help towards the cost of college tuition. Or perhaps a student is independent of any familial connections. If you find yourself in …
A golden piggy bank with a dark background.
student loans

The Advantage Of Federal Student Loans Over Private Ones

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025
Student loans fall under two broad categories—federal student loans and private student loans. As the name suggests, the federal government offers federal loans. A private student loan is offered by private lenders such as banks, schools, credit unions, and state agencies. There is a huge difference between these two types of loans. Federal student loans …

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