All Financial Aid Articles

The Big Question Mark Sculpture at Ipswich Campus.
financial aid

FAQ About Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you are filling out your FAFSA, there are some factors that help calculate your personal EFC. Every student’s EFC is different. There is no “magic number” that will guarantee whether you will receive aid or not, but your EFC is a huge contributing factor! Listed below are some frequently asked questions regarding the EFC, …
Here are 5 things to do during your work study jobs
financial aid

5 Things Students Should Do During Their Work Study Program

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Work study programs are a great way to earn money while you are in college. Work study programs are available via the federal government and participating colleges and universities. They provide an opportunity for students to earn some money while they are enrolled in college. Positions are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Most of …
A pile of american coins.
financial aid

Different Forms of Federal Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
By now, you’ve probably heard of FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but do you know all the different forms of federal aid and how they can help you? Read on to see the different types you may qualify for: Student Loans The most well known result of FAFSA is loans. However, …
Aerial view of a woman using her laptop on a steel table with an umbrella on a bright sunny day.
financial aid

A Breakdown Of The CSS Financial Profile

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The CSS Financial Profile is administered by the College Board, the same organization that also administers the SAT. CSS stands for College Scholarship Service. This is an online application that about 400 colleges in the US use to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid. The CSS application is not an alternative to or a substitute …
scholarship offers
financial aid

How Home Equity Can Affect Financial Aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you own a home, or maybe a couple of homes, one of your major concerns is likely to be whether or not your home equity will affect your child’s eligibility for financial aid. So here’s what you need to know about equity and its impact on financial aid. Not All Colleges Are Interested In …
As parents, how do you even start paying for college?
financial aid

How Parents Can Help Pay for College

By Allison WignallLast updated on July 28, 2023
In this guide we’ll answer the following questions: How can I start saving for my child’s college education? How can we find an affordable school? What’s the difference between net price and sticker price? Why is it important to compare financial aid packages? Should we consider community or online colleges? What if our savings aren’t …
Here's a guide on how to pay for college
financial aid

How to Pay for College: 6 Smart Strategies

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on April 17, 2024
Heading off to college is an exciting journey, but as college costs continue to rise, figuring out how to pay for it can be overwhelming. With some planning and smart strategy, you can cross financing college off your list, and focus on what matters: your education. College Costs to Consider (and Ways to Save) First, …
Three students are discussing while holding their tabs on a green field - with cows in the background.
financial aid

How To Get A Work Study

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Funding your lifestyle remains one of the largest concerns for students entering college. Students turn to many forms of financial assistance. Of the many forms of federal financial aid, work study is often overlooked by students. Often, students will think the program doesn’t apply to them and not look further into it. However, just like …

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