questions & answers

What is a TEACH Grant?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023

While you’re filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), you may have seen the TEACH Grant name tossed around a bit. What exactly is it? And more importantly, do you qualify? What is it? The TEACH Grant, which stands for The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, is for students …

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EFC: Is That What You’ll Actually Pay?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

According to a few recent studies, students are more worried than ever about the hefty price tag stuck on a four-year education. Nearly 9 in 10 students described financial aid as either “extremely” or “very” necessary for them to make it through college, and about 70% of students said they feel stress about their personal …

questions & answers

How Are Scholarship Winners Determined?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

You put a lot of time and effort into crafting a scholarship application. You likely create and submit dozens in order to help fund your college education. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on the other end of a scholarship application? What do scholarship sponsors go through to pick a winner? …

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What is the Federal TRIO Program?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Out of all the programs available to students, one you may not have heard of is the Federal TRIO Program. Here’s a quick rundown on what this service entails: What Is It? The Federal TRIO Program is actually made up of eight individual programs, each set up to identify, assist, and provide services to those …

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What is a College Credit Union?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

I’m sure that, at this point, you know all the stereotypes of the college financial experience. Scrimping and saving, eating ramen three times a day, and generally having no extra cash to your name. While these events are a reality for many students, there are institutions available to make your life at university a bit …

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What is Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The Estimated Family Contribution or EFC is a calculated measure of your family’s financial strength. It is an index number that colleges use to determine your eligibility for different need-based financial aid programs. What EFC is NOT: Your EFC is not an indication of the amount you or your family are liable to pay towards …

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How Is EFC Calculated Exactly?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

EFC (click here to check out more acronyms) or Estimated Family Contribution is calculated using the information that you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA and CSS) application. The calculation is done according to a formula established by the U. S. Department of Education’s Federal Methodology Calculation. It takes into account the …

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Should I Focus on One Scholarship Category or Several?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Once you’ve found something that works, it can be hard doing it any other way. So when a student finds their talent, skill, or unique factor that can be used in their scholarship search, they might only search for those relevant opportunities. For example, if a student is on their school’s student council, they may …

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Fun Things To Do With Your Money If You Didn’t Repay Your Student Loans

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

Student loans can be very harsh. So many students have to take them out, and loans add up quickly. The average debt for college students is currently up to $37,000. But if that were all suddenly forgiven? What if you didn’t have to repay your student loans? What would you do with the money? That …

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What Are College Tuition-Reimbursement Programs?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Tuition-reimbursement programs are a special type of repayment plan where employers offer to reimburse their employees’ education expenses. In most cases, employees who choose to participate will have to pay out of pocket for the courses they take. They then get back some or all of their tuition expenses, depending on their company policy. Why Do …