financial aid

The 2019-2020 FAFSA is Now Available! Here’s What You Need To Know

By Laura DavisonLast updated on December 22, 2022

As of October 1st, the 2019-2020 FAFSA is officially available! Over the past few years, several changes have been made to the application process. Here is everything you need to know about the alterations that have been made, what this means for you, and why you should file ASAP. College Finder – FAFSA is Now Available! …

financial aid

Why EVERYONE Should Really File the FAFSA

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Let’s face it: Even “affordable” colleges and universities can still take a lot out of your bank account. So if there is a way to pay for a degree without making a huge dent in savings, why aren’t students doing it? Part of it may be because you don’t believe you will qualify for any …

financial aid

College Tuition and Loan Mistakes that Parents Should Avoid

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no way around it: college is expensive, more so than ever. Even though the cost of college may actually be more affordable than you think, there are still mistakes to avoid while paying college fees. Tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other cost of living expenses must be taken into consideration while making a …

financial aid

How to Graduate From College with No Debt (INFOGRAPHIC)

By VeronicaLast updated on December 22, 2022

For students looking to earn a degree, financial need is a major area of concern. It’s also a huge deciding factor when it comes to choosing a college. The cost of school deters many people from even considering the pursuit of higher education. It seems so unaffordable for those with a low to average income. …

financial aid

8 Ways Parents Can Help Reduce Student Debt

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on March 24, 2025

The total student loan debt in the United States reached a record high during the first portion of 2023. According to credit bureau data, student loan borrowers had a remaining loan balance of $38,787 on average. 10% of borrowers owed more than $80,000 in federal loans alone. This can be a stressful prospect for future …

financial aid

A Breakdown of the Different Forms of Financial Aid

By Allison WignallLast updated on June 29, 2023

When searching for colleges, the cost is almost always one of the biggest concerns. Attending college is growing more and more expensive, but it’s also more important than ever to have a college degree. Luckily there are many different ways to pay for college that doesn’t solely rely on out-of-pocket funding: scholarships, grants, loans, and …

financial aid

What You Need to Know About Prior-Prior Year and FAFSA Changes

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re thinking about college, you’ve probably heard of FAFSA. What is it? And how is it changing? FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA is a part of the United States Department of Education and provides more than $150 billion in student aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study …

financial aid

Is Work Study Financial Aid? A Quick Guide to FWS

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on August 28, 2023

Yes, work study is part of federal financial aid. However, it works differently from other forms of federal financial aid that’s awarded to students. When you get accepted into a college, you’ll receive a financial aid package detailing the different forms and amounts of financial aid you’ll receive. If you qualify for work study, the …

financial aid

Financial Aid for Middle Class Families: Here’s How to Find It (6 Strategies)

By Tyler HakesLast updated on March 21, 2023

For many middle class families, applying for financial aid can seem like a cruel joke. You earn too much money to receive financial aid, but you don’t earn enough to write a check for college. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But, don’t worry–there are options out there for you. I promise! College Raptor was designed to solve this …

financial aid

Financial Aid and Unique Family Circumstances: How to Let Colleges Know About Your Financial Situation

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the federal government’s attempt to put every American family on a level playing field in an effort to award aid fairly. What happens, however, when the FAFSA does not adequately allow you to express your family’s unique financial circumstances? For example, the FAFSA asks you to submit …