financial aid

8 Ways Parents Can Help Reduce Student Debt

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 12, 2024

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 …

financial aid

Where Does Financial Aid Come From?

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Once you hit send on those financial aid applications, what happens next? Money doesn’t suddenly fall onto your doorstep, so where does it come from? In being a good consumer, it is good to know this information. Where do financial aid dollars come from? There are 4 primary sources of financial aid: Federal Government State Government …

financial aid

Guide to College Financial Aid

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

The financial aid equation You can run but you cannot hide. It’s time to face the finances. Before you get into the details of how and when to apply, it’s important to have some basic understanding of how the system works. I promise that it’s not as gruesome as you fear. In fact, the underlying principle …

financial aid

Paying for College: Grants, Scholarships and Loans

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Paying for college You need to understand the difference between sticker and net price before understanding how paying for college works. The amount left after you factor in merit and talent scholarships for the college, need-based aid from the college, and any federal grants for which the student may qualify is your net price. It …

financial aid

Applying for Financial Aid: Completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve no doubt heard horror stories about how difficult the process of applying for financial aid can be, especially with FAFSA and CSS. Applying for college financial aid certainly won’t be the most fun you’ve ever had. However, the process can be much more manageable by breaking it down into finite steps. EVERY college will …