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Student loan debt in America is now around $1.3 trillion.
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America’s Student Loan Debt is $1.3 Trillion: How Much is That Exactly? (INFOGRAPHIC)

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many college-bound students turn to student loans as a way to pay for college, and while loans can certainly be helpful in that respect, they must first be understood. In 2016 the average college student graduated with about $37,000 in student loan debt. Collectively, Americans have about $1.26 trillion in student loan debt, across several …
A jar of coins with four coins scattered on the side.
questions & answers

Should I Get a Federal or a Private Student Loan?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022
Paying for college can be difficult because the cost is so high, and it can also be hard to understand. There’s a ton of terminology like loans, grants, scholarships, financial aid, file the FAFSA, etc. to learn about as well. If you are paying for college on your own, the entire process can be even …
One option to save for college is a 529 savings plan
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What is a 529 Savings Plan?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 27, 2024
Key Takeaways: 529 College Savings Plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts that can be used for education-related expenses. All states have 529 Plans and you don’t have to live in the state in which you open an account. That gives savers a lot of options to find a plan that works for them. If a beneficiary …
You can apply for scholarships at any time during your academic career
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When and Where to Apply for Scholarships?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you need help paying for college, you should definitely apply for scholarships. But scholarship applications come with a deadline. If you miss those deadlines, you miss your chance of getting free money that will help reduce your college bills. So, when and where should you apply for scholarships? The short of it: whenever you …
A close-up picture of a one dollar bill.
questions & answers

What’s the Difference Between a Full-Ride and a Full-Tuition Scholarship?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
They both sound pretty good, right? Oftentimes students use full-ride and full-tuition interchangeably. Thus, their definitions have gotten a little muddled over the years. Let’s start with the more commonly known of the two: the full-ride scholarship. Full-Ride A full-ride scholarship is an award that covers the entire cost of college. That includes tuition, room …
Bikes on a college campus
questions & answers

What Exactly is a Full-Ride College Scholarship? Should I Bother Applying?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students dream of receiving a full-ride scholarship in order to pay for their college education. In essence, a full-ride scholarship is an award that fully pays for a student’s time at college—including tuition, room and board, other fees, books and materials, and sometimes even living expenses and study abroad costs. A full-ride scholarship seems …
A white sign that says "money."
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How Many College Students Receive Financial Aid?

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022
When students leave their homes and go off to college, there are enough things at play without having to worry about personal financial trouble. In response to the growing number of students who are unable to pay their tuition in full without some sort of assistance, the number of financial aid grants has grown. Thus, …
questions & answers

What is the National Merit Scholarship?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 22, 2024
The National Merit Scholarship is an award given to students who score very well on the PSAT and meet the requirements to be named a National Merit Scholar. All students who take the PSAT are automatically entered into the program, but only a select few will be named Finalists and earn money to put towards …

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