All Financial Aid Articles

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financial aid

Why You Should Consider NOT Taking Your Full Student Loan Award

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
For many students, being awarded financial aid from a school can be a lifesaver. College, as everyone knows, is very, very expensive, and any extra penny helps make it more affordable. However, some decide to forego their full financial award and pay more out of pocket. This may seem ridiculous on the surface, but there …
Kansas University Union building.
financial aid

What To Do After Receiving The SAR

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Your SAR, or Student Aid Report, is compiled based on the information you provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA form. If you included your email address while filling the form, you will receive your SAR by email a few days after your application is processed. If you did not include …
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financial aid

How to Compare and Contrast Offer Letters from Different Colleges

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
Opening your first college acceptance letter will be, without a doubt, one of the most gratifying and exciting moments of your academic life. While most students have an idea of which colleges will accept them, it doesn’t feel real until you hold proof in your hand, showing that a university looked over your transcripts, letters, …
Coffee from a blue cup spilled on the paper.
financial aid

Common FAFSA Errors Parents Make

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Considering your FAFSA application will ultimately impact the amount of financial assistance you may receive, it is crucial to make sure that it is filled carefully, correctly and completely. If there are mistakes or missing information, your child may not get the complete financial assistance that they are entitled to. Make sure to avoid these …
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financial aid

How to Prioritize Your Financial Aid Opportunities

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
There is most definitely an order to go through when doing a financial aid search. Seeking out aid in the right way can save you thousands of dollars and reduce your loan debt substantially. So check out our list below to see how to prioritize your financial aid opportunities! 1. Federal Aid: Scholarships & Grants …
financial aid

How To Appeal An Offer Letter for More Financial Aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 25, 2024
Your financial aid letters aren’t (always) written in stone. There may actually be some flexibility in the money a school grants you. It may only take a phone call to get a higher financial aid package, or it might require a longer appeals process. If your financial aid is less than you thought it would …
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financial aid

Can You Appeal An Offer Letter For More Aid?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
The short answer is yes, you can appeal an offer letter. You can appeal an offer letter. What many students do not realize is that a financial aid offer letter is not a final decision. It is, in fact, an offer that is made by the prospective college. You are under no obligation to accept …
Your state government can also offer financial aid.
financial aid

What Financial Aid Can You Earn From The State Government?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023
Almost all students know to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), but many actually forget to check if their state government offers any financial aid. Here are some things you’ll need to know before you start the search. Your Options Depend on Your State Almost every state education department offers grants, …

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