All Paying for college Articles

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student loans

How to Improve Your Credit Score for Your Student Loans

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on June 6, 2023
If you’re relying on student loans to fund your college education, it’s important to take steps to improve your credit score. It’s never too early to get started with building credit. Building strong credit takes time. It is not an overnight undertaking. It takes months and years. The sooner you start, the more time you …
A patch of clovers.
scholarships

Scholarships That Span All Four Years of College

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
The college process can be confusing for first-time families, not knowing what to expect when they send their child off to an expensive campus crawling with possibilities. One of the most complex aspects of the system is, quite simply, paying for it. For a large section of students (and their parents), it is difficult to …
A chalkboard with writing that says "no more excuses."
financial aid

Bad Excuses for Not Filing for Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
No matter the reason, everyone should be filling out the FAFSA, or Free Application For Federal Student Aid, each year. Here are a few bad excuses we’ve heard students give when asked why they didn’t complete the application: I Won’t Qualify The number one reason that students or parents don’t complete the FAFSA is that …
There are consequences for defaulting on student loans
student loans

Dangers of Defaulting on Student Loans

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022
Taking out student loans means eventually paying them back. Failing to make your loan payments on time can result in some pretty hefty consequences. When getting your loan, the lender sets legal terms that you sign for in a document. You also agreed to a schedule of paying back the loan. This document, the promissory …
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scholarships

Scholarships for Students Who Live in Rural Areas

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 7, 2023
Cities aren’t the only places that could put you in the spotlight. Many homegrown American figures came from small towns and fly-over states. Coming from small town USA doesn’t make your dreams any smaller, or your goals any less desirable. The gateway for many rural folks’ success is enrolling in college. The problem? College is …
Be careful not to make these three student loan mistakes
student loans

Avoid These 3 Big Student Loan Mistakes!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
Obtaining student loans is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions you will ever make in your lifetime, and it is up there with purchasing a car or a house. It’s important to understand what you’re getting into, agreeing to, and what is expected of you in the years to come. Here are three …
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student loans

How Do I Refinance a Student Loan?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
Emanuel Lasker, a chess world champion, thought of as one of the greatest of the game’s players, was once asked what basic advice he would give to beginning chess players. “When you see a good move,” Lasker replied, “look for a better one”. Even if you don’t play chess, Lasker’s advice applies to a variety …
Finding the best student loan is like comparing apples to oranges.
student loans

How to Pick the Best Student Loan for You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve chosen your school for the fall, but now it’s time to choose your student loan. The application process and knowing the pros and cons of each type are the most important when it comes to picking which one is right for you. Here’s a rundown of some of the steps to take and things …