College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!
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affordability & college cost

College Costs: What You Should Expect to Pay

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 24, 2024
Tuition is the first thing most families think about when calculating college costs. And that’s totally justified considering tuition fees are the largest expense associated with college education. However, there are several other college related expenses to factor in when calculating the total cost of college. Here, we breakdown those expenses and give some tips on …
There are some myths surrounding student loan consolidation
student loans

3 Common Myths Surrounding Student Loan Consolidation

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Student loan consolidation allows you to combine multiple federal student loans into one loan so that you make only one payment every month instead of multiple payments. This option offers several benefits to borrowers. Unfortunately, the myths surrounding student loan consolidation cause a lot of confusion resulting in many students making the wrong decision, which …
student loans

What NOT To Do With Your Student Loan Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 28, 2023
Is it illegal to spend student loan money? Even if it isn’t illegal, should you spend your student loan money on unrelated purchases? The big question is, are you allowed to do that? When you apply for a federal student loan, the funds are disbursed directly to your school. The school’s financial office deducts what it …
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financial advice & planning

Pros and Cons of a 529 Savings Plan

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
529 plans are a type of tax-advantaged, custodial savings plan designed to help families nationwide cover education-related costs. They are also known as qualified tuition programs or Section 529 plans. Millions of families across America enroll in this plan for the many benefits it offers. However, as with any type of financial plan, it has …
Put the pieces of the puzzle together by knowing what consolidate your student loan means
student loans

What Does it Mean to Consolidate Your Student Loan?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 6, 2025
Consolidating student loans involves combining multiple federal student loans into one loan with one monthly payment amount and one due date. Consolidation is applicable only to federal student loans. The only way to combine private student loans is by refinancing. Student loan consolidation offers several benefits but there are also a few downsides that you …
Use our scholarship checklists to stay on top of your applications
scholarship search & applications

College Scholarship Application Checklists: Search, Prep, Submit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The whole scholarship application process can be nerve-wracking. After you’ve gone through hundreds of scholarships opportunities and made a note of all the scholarships you qualify for along with their requirements, it’s then time to put together and submit your applications. Making things even more complicated is the fact that each scholarship opportunity has its …

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