questions & answers

If I Have a High EFC, Should I Bother with the FAFSA?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Short answer: YES! Longer answer: Regardless of your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) everyone should file the FAFSA. The FAFSA enables students to measure their financial need, and become eligible for federal grants and scholarships, work study programs, and federal student loans. Always Always Always File the FAFSA Many students and their families don’t bother filing …

questions & answers

Why Do Some Merit Scholarships Require the FAFSA to be Filed?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The FAFSA is a form that determines your financial need, allowing you to be eligible for federal financial aid. However, you may come across some merit-based scholarships—awards based on talent, academics, hobbies, ethnicity, etc—still require you to file the FAFSA. Why? Limited Financial Aid Available If you’re applying for merit aid, why would you also …

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Should You Crowdfund For Your College Tuition?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

You could always do with more money to cover your college expenses. Fortunately, you can get most of that money through scholarships, grants, work-study, and even student loans (as a last resort). But what if you need more? Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise money for various reasons, whether it’s for personal reasons …

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FAFSA: What Happens If My Financial Situation Changes?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

All your financial and personal details that you submit to your FAFSA must be accurate when you submit it. However, anything can happen from the time you submit the FAFSA to when you receive your financial aid package. Luckily, the FAFSA takes this into account and made provisions for these exact situations. Financial Changes If …

questions & answers

What If My Family Can’t Meet Our EFC?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

A large number of families across the U.S. have trouble paying up the entire amount of their children’s tuition from their private funds—and they aren’t really expected to. Families turn to financial aid. This is usually in the form of federal student loans, scholarships, grants, and even private student loans. Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is …

questions & answers

How Do I Get A Federal Student Loan?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Knowing how to go about getting a federal student loan is a crucial step in the college application process. College tuition fees are out of reach of most families in America. The only way most families can afford to send their children to college is by taking some type of loan. When it comes to …

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What Is Entrance Counseling For Student Loans?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Entrance counseling for student loans is a mandatory counseling session. Students are required to complete it before they can access the federal student loan that has been allocated to them. You will have to complete this counseling session this if this is the first time you are applying for Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans. …

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How Can I Increase My Chances Of Earning A Full-Ride Scholarship?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting a full-ride scholarship is a dream come true for any student, regardless of their financial background. A full-ride is essentially a scholarship that covers all college-related expenses, including tuition, textbooks, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. With a scholarship of this type, you don’t pay a cent towards your education, and you …

questions & answers

What are the Differences Between a Federal and a Private Student Loan?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’ve just started filling out applications for loans or you’re receiving loan offers and you’re not quite sure what to choose, it’s important to know the differences between a federal and private student loan. Here are just a few examples of how they differ: Private Student Loans May Require Earlier Payment When it comes to …

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Are Student Loans Tax Deductible?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s one of many questions that parents and students have on their mind—are student loans tax deductible? The answer is yes you can, under certain circumstances. Parents can claim a deduction of income of up to $2,500 if they are repaying interest on student loans on either their own or their children’s behalf. This means …