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Bikes on a college campus
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What Exactly is a Full-Ride College Scholarship? Should I Bother Applying?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students dream of receiving a full-ride scholarship in order to pay for their college education. In essence, a full-ride scholarship is an award that fully pays for a student’s time at college—including tuition, room and board, other fees, books and materials, and sometimes even living expenses and study abroad costs. A full-ride scholarship seems …
A white sign that says "money."
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How Many College Students Receive Financial Aid?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on March 4, 2025
When students leave their homes and go off to college, there are enough things at play without having to worry about personal financial trouble. In response to the growing number of students who are unable to pay their tuition in full without some sort of assistance, the number of financial aid grants has grown. Thus, …
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What is the National Merit Scholarship?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 22, 2024
The National Merit Scholarship is an award given to students who score very well on the PSAT and meet the requirements to be named a National Merit Scholar. All students who take the PSAT are automatically entered into the program, but only a select few will be named Finalists and earn money to put towards …
A Federal work study program is a way for students, like the ones pictured, to get more aid by working for the college.
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Your Guide to the Federal Work Study Program

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 11, 2025
Key Takeaways Federal Work-Study is a need-based program that helps students earn money through part-time jobs. You must complete the FAFSA and indicate interest in work-study to be considered. Not all schools participate in the program, so check with your school’s financial aid office. Jobs can be on or off-campus, and sometimes relate to your …
Three trophies placed next to each other.
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What is an Offer Letter?

By Jasmine BarnesLast updated on December 22, 2022
You did it! You worked hard and a college of your choice accepted you. Congratulations, that’s an accomplishment. Now the question is, can you afford it? That’s where the offer letter comes in. Short answer: an offer letter tells you where all the money to pay for college is coming from (minus private student loans). …
What is a net price calculator?
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What is a Net Price Calculator?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
We all know that the sticker price for college is shocking. How many of us can actually write an annual check for $20,000, $40,000, $60,000 or more? That’s where the net price calculator comes into play. But what is a net price calculator? The difference between net price and sticker price The good news is …
Harvard's net price is generally much lower than its sticker price, which means that for 90% of American families, Harvard may be more affordable than a state school -- afford colleges
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How Do Students Afford Colleges Like Harvard or Stanford?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
How Do Students Afford Colleges That Are Very Expensive? – College Raptor Q&A For the 2014-15 school year, the published costs of attendance at Harvard and Stanford are approximately $65,000 and $62,000, respectively. These numbers can easily be discouraging for those who want to afford colleges, especially for students from low-income families. Even students who …

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