student loans

The Difference Between Loan Deferment and Forbearance

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 24, 2025

Some people use the two terms interchangeably, but that can lead to misconceptions because the two aren’t actually the same. Deferment To boil it down and really simplify it: deferment is delaying the repayment of a loan until after the student borrower graduates. While in school, they can focus on their studies. Students do not …

scholarship search & applications

How to Avoid Losing Your Scholarship!

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have a scholarship or multiple scholarships, first off: congratulations! Second: did you know you could lose it? Yikes. It’s an unfortunate reality that scholarships are pretty conditional. After all, there were requirements for you to be eligible for the scholarship, so it makes sense that there are also requirements for you to be …

questions & answers

Is There Any Way To Guarantee That We Can Get A College Scholarship?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to college scholarships, there are no 100% guarantees as schools take into consideration several factors before they make any decision. However, there is one thing you can do to boost your chances significantly—get good grades. It’s true—while colleges across the U.S. offer scholarships for accomplishments in areas that range from athletics and …

questions & answers

Can Scholarship Funds be Used on Expenses Other than Tuition?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The cost of college includes a lot more than just simply tuition—there’s housing to consider, groceries, school supplies, text books, etc. So, to cover those costs wouldn’t it be great if you could use the scholarship awards you’ve earned to pay for them? To answer the title of this article: Yes, but only if the …

financial aid

Should I apply for financial aid after I get accepted to college or before?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 10, 2026

Key takeaways: Students should plan to start applying for financial aid as soon as possible during their senior year of high school. The FAFSA opens on October 1, and many colleges require the application by January or February. State grants, scholarships, and other sources of financial aid have varying deadlines. You should start applying for …

student loans

What if You Have Trouble Repaying Student Loans? 2 Things You Must Do

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

It happens more often than you think—students take loans with every intention of repaying them but life gets in the way and they struggle to pay back what they owe. If this happens to you, the worst thing you can do is sit back and see what happens. In fact, letting your lender know is …

scholarships

Scholarships for Students with ADHD

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

According to recent statistics, around 11% of adolescents suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diagnosed are disproportionately young millennials, a subject that has led to public figures, from psychologists to rapper Kendrick Lamar, referring to our generation “Generation ADHD.” This term glosses over the debilitating effects of the disorder. These effects cannot be …

scholarship search & applications

If I Don’t Perfectly Match Up With A Scholarship’s Criteria, Should I Still Apply?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Searching for college scholarships can sometimes be quite a daunting task, especially with how many are available to students. There will be a few that are a perfect match for you and then hundreds of others that you don’t qualify for. However, have you ever come across a scholarship that you almost perfectly match, but …

scholarships

Scholarships for Astronomy Majors

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

In the summer of 1969, Neil Armstrong landed a foot softly in a pile of moon dust, turned to look back towards the planet that propelled him to his current destination, and said, “…that’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since our first successful journey to the moon over forty …

student loans

How Much Should I Borrow in Student Loans for College?

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 24, 2025

Did a little chill slither down your spine when you read “student loans”? It can be an intimidating topic to many college-bound students and their families. There are a lot of questions and concerns (especially for first gen or firstborn students). One of the big questions is: just how much money should I take out …