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Amanda Claypool

Amanda is a financial writer and researcher who covers financial aid, investing, cryptocurrency, and economic trends. Drawing on years of analysis across markets and technology, she helps readers understand how innovation and policy shape personal finance decisions.

A summa cum laude graduate of Syracuse University, Amanda brings an international perspective informed by experience in Washington, D.C., the Middle East, and the private sector. Her work reflects a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and practical insight—core values that guide The College Investor’s mission to make finance accessible to everyone.

Amanda’s latest articles

An isometric, line-art pattern of rolled-up banknotes on a clean white background, symbolizing earning money and side hustles for college students. Each banknote roll, featuring a discernible dollar sign, is outlined in black, creating a minimalist yet clear visual. One of these rolled banknotes is uniquely highlighted within a solid green circular overlay, drawing attention to the potential earnings from flexible jobs. This image supports the article's focus on various ways students can earn extra income, such as through on-demand services like food delivery with DoorDash, UberEats, or Amazon Flex, or even becoming a bike or scooter delivery person, emphasizing how these opportunities can offset living expenses or contribute to tuition.
March 15, 2026

18 Best Side Hustles For College Students

The best side hustles for college students are flexible, don’t require a lot of experience, and pay enough to be worth the effort.

Can colleges see your social media
February 20, 2026

Can Colleges See Your DMs And Other Social Media?

Many college admissions officers do check applicants’ social media. But that can be used to your advantage in the college application process.

best side hustles for men
February 9, 2026

14 Best Side Hustles For Men In 2026

Here are the best side hustles for men to earn extra money, with a focus on time commitment and skillset.

A vibrant, modern graphic illustrates the concept of tuition payment plans on a predominantly orange background with a diagonal white stripe across the bottom left. The image features several black and white icons: a graduation cap, representing college education; a roll of money with a dollar sign, signifying financial resources; and a hand holding a coin with a dollar symbol, indicating payments. In the bottom right, a classical building with columns symbolizes a financial institution or university. Various abstract geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and plus signs are scattered throughout, adding to the contemporary design. This visual emphasizes how tuition payment plans break down college costs into manageable, interest-free installments, a key topic of the article, and serves as a social image for the "College Investor" brand.
January 25, 2026

How Do Tuition Payment Plans Work?

A tuition payment plan breaks your tuition bill up into smaller payments. Is it a good alternative to student loans? Find out how tuition payment plans work.

This abstract and minimalist graphic features key elements related to student loans and tax refunds, designed to capture attention for an article discussing whether student loans will take tax refunds in 2025. On the left, a stylized hand with an open palm suggests receiving or giving, while above it, a yellow circle frames a credit card icon with a dollar sign, representing financial transactions and refunds. To the right, a classic white building with columns, outlined in yellow, symbolizes a bank or government institution, particularly relevant to federal student loans and the Treasury Offset Program. Black and white plus signs are scattered throughout, adding a modern, infographic feel. The bottom right features a dark blue section with a yellow outlined triangle and white dots, providing visual contrast. The "COLLEGE INVESTOR" logo is prominently displayed in the bottom left, reinforcing the article's source and focus on financial guidance for students. Source: The College Investor
December 23, 2025

Will Student Loans Take My Tax Refund in 2026?

Planning on getting a tax refund? If you’re in default on your federal student loans, your refund could be at risk. Here’s what you need to know.

best sat test prep
October 12, 2025

Best SAT Test Prep Courses [In Person And Online]

An SAT test prep course can help you improve your score and your odds of getting into your preferred college. Here are the best SAT test prep courses available.

Why fill out the FAFSA if you don't think you'll receive aid
September 4, 2025

Why You Should Fill Out The FAFSA Even If You Don’t Think You’ll Receive Aid

Thinking of skipping filling out the FAFSA? Perhaps you don’t think you’ll qualify and that it’s a waste of time. Here’s why you’re wrong. Learn more.

defer enrollment in college
August 14, 2025

How Do You Defer Enrollment In College?

To defer enrollment in college after you’ve been accepted, you can work with your college’s admissions office to complete its formal deferment process.

best high school graduation gifts
May 4, 2025

Best High School Graduation Gifts This Year

Searching for a gift for someone graduating from high school this spring? We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best high school graduation gifts.

Can you pay for college on a credit card
March 27, 2025

Can You Pay For College On A Credit Card?

Can you pay for college on a credit card and rack up the points? It’s a compelling thought… and the answer is potentially! College is expensive. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 school year is $38,270. To keep up with rising costs, some students and their parents are […]

Ziggma review
January 30, 2025

Ziggma Review: Investment Portfolio Tracking

In search of an affordable portfolio analysis platform? Ziggma has plenty of features to help you track your portfolio and analyze stocks and other investments.

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