financial aid, questions & answers

How to Find State Grants for College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 16, 2025

Key Takeaways: Many states offer grants for college that help its residents better afford higher education. You can apply for most state grants by completing the FAFSA, but some also require a state-specific financial aid form. Grant availability and eligibility varies depending on your location, academic achievements, and financial need. College students can often locate …

questions & answers

Heroes Act Bill Student Loans – What It Is & How It May Affect You

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

The HEROES Act Student Loans passed on May 15, 2020. HEROES stands for Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions. The HEROES Act amends and expands the existing CARES Act. The updated version includes provisions for providing extra financial relief to both federal and private student loan borrowers. This is a huge relief to private …

financial aid, questions & answers

Guide to Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 5, 2025

Understanding financial aid award letters can be confusing – especially since colleges and other organizations don’t have a single format! Every letter you receive will be slightly different as they use different formats, terminology, and numbers. So how do you make sense of it? This guide should be able to help! Types of Financial Aid …

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How To Write A Thank You Letter For A Scholarship

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

Scholarships can be a game changer for your college career. They can significantly reduce the amount of student loans you’ll need to take out, making the transition to post-grad life much easier on your finances. Knowing how to write a thank you letter for a scholarship is key! Scholarships come from all different organizations and …

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What is a Permanent Home Address? What it means for your student.

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2025

Key Takeaways: Your permanent home address is your fixed address that you use on official documents. It can affect financial aid eligibility, college acceptance chances, and tuition rates. Lying about your permanent home address can result in lost financial aid and acceptance offers. A permanent home address is a person’s fixed address. It’s used on …

financial aid, questions & answers

How to Raise Money for College Tuition

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 24, 2023

Are you worried about being able to afford your college tuition this fall? You’re definitely not alone, and there are actions you can take to try to make it a bit more affordable. To raise money for college tuition, aim to create a budget and plan for improving your finances. This could include completing your …

financial advice & planning, questions & answers

Are College Scholarships Taxable?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

You’ve won a scholarship – congratulations! Now you may have a nagging worry in the back of your mind – is this award taxable? In most cases, the answer is, “No, scholarships are not taxable.” However, there are exceptions. Here’s what you need to know about taxes and awards for your educational future. Are College …

financial advice & planning, questions & answers

What Does the Student Loan Repayment Extension Mean for You?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 25, 2025

If you’ve got federal student loans and are following the latest updates, you’ve definitely heard about the latest student loan repayment extension. On December 21, 2021, President Biden announced that the student loan repayment pause would be extended from January 31, 2022 to May 1, 2022. The additional 90 days of no payments has students …

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Student Loan Pause Extended Again! How to Make the Most of It

By Cat GallagherLast updated on January 24, 2023

You’ve definitely heard by now that the student loan pause has been extended yet again – this time to May 1, 2022.  This great news for anyone who’s still paying off their federal student loans! The federal government had first initiated the Student Loan Repayment Freeze in mid-2020. The aim was to offer relief to …

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The Final Few Months to Graduation (Senior Checklist)

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 24, 2023

Your high school experience is nearly over, and you’re going to start college in the Fall – congratulations on all of your amazing achievements! But don’t stop thinking about your education even though you’ve completed your college applications and may have even heard back from a few schools. Follow our senior checklist of all the …