affordability & college cost

Is It Cheaper to Live On or Off Campus? 7 Factors to Consider

By Hilary CairnsPublished on October 30, 2024

According to 2023-2024 data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of on-campus food and housing at a 4-year college was $12,801. For students living off-campus, but not with family, the average food and housing cost was $12,535. On the surface, it …

affordability & college cost, college comparisons

Online Colleges: Making Your Degree More Affordable

By Hilary CairnsPublished on June 12, 2024

There’s no question about it: attending college is expensive and only getting more expensive as time goes on. Tuition can cost thousands of dollars, if not tens of thousands of dollars. Add on dorm room expenses, food costs, books, and fees, and attending college can cause sticker shock. Online colleges offer an affordable opportunity to …

affordability & college cost, questions & answers

Must Have Conversations with your Future College Student

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on February 22, 2023

They say that college holds some of the best years of your life. Once your child is set on going to college, it’s important to prepare them for all the things they will be exposed to while they’re there. Serious discussions with your new college student may not be the most fun, but they’re crucial …

affordability & college cost, tips tools & advice

The Difference Between a School’s Sticker Price and Net Price – And How to Estimate It

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 10, 2023

When you’re looking at the price of attending a year of college, the costs can be a bit staggering. In many cases, it can scare students off from applying to that particular school. But that number you’re seeing is likely the sticker price, and the amount you actually pay could be significantly less! Understanding the …

affordability & college cost

How Much Does Community College Cost?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 1, 2023

The cost of college is a hot topic in public conversation right now. With costs rising every year, with seemingly no end in sight, students and their families turn to money-saving tips and tricks to make college more affordable. One great trick? Attending community colleges. Community college fees are typically significantly lower than that of …

affordability & college cost

8 Ways to Make Out-of-State College Affordable

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 1, 2024

Key Takeaways: Although in-state students typically pay less than out-of-state students, there are ways to reduce the higher tuition costs. Start by completing your FAFSA and look into financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Establishing residency or attending a school in an academic common market can help cover school expenses. How To …

affordability & college cost

Cut College Costs: Graduate On Time

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

You will most likely be borrowing money every year that you are in college to fund your tuition and other college costs. By the time you graduate after 4 years, the total amount you’ve borrowed would have added up considerably. Delaying your graduation even by one semester will add a few thousand dollars more to …

affordability & college cost

The Importance of Knowing Your Net Price

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are a lot of prices out there thrown around when it comes to your college education. From sticker price to tuition to room and board, it can be a bit confusing what these terms mean in relation to how much you’ll pay for a year at a particular school. That’s why it’s so important …

affordability & college cost

Average Cost of College in US for 2017-2018

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Sometimes it helps to look at the data, and when it comes to college cost, there’s plenty of data. College costs are rising steadily year over year, so let’s take a look at the average cost of college in the US from 2017 to 2018. Average Cost for Bachelor Degrees According to College Board, NCES, …

affordability & college cost

How To Strike a Balance Between an Affordable College and a Dream School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Quite a few students in high school already have their dream school chosen, but for some, it may be out of reach financially. Finding a balance between affording college and attending your dream school may present you with solutions. Investigate Scholarships and Financial Aid Through Your Dream School Many juniors and seniors in high school …