Financial Aid Advice

As families struggle to obtain the funds they need to pay for a college education, it is easy to fall prey to scholarship scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises caution when you see the following lines:

"The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
"You can't get this information anywhere else."
"I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."
"We'll do all the work."
"The scholarship will cost some money."
"You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship" or
"Your're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.

For information about scholarship scams:
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/lsa.jsp

To report a scam:
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
or go here to fill out a complaint form online.

To check on complaints against a company:
www.bbb.com

For a free scholarship search go to:
fastweb.com

To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) go to:
www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Again, please be aware that fafsa.com is a commercial website and charges a fee to file your (FAFSA).)

To get help completing the FAFSA:
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243);
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa

For information on student aid for college:
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243);
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.students.gov
NASFAA - Parent and Student Guide to Federal Tax Benefits for Tuition and Fees for Tax Year 2004

Remember, we are here to help you through the financial aid process. Baylor Financial Aid Counselors are available by phone (254-710-2611 or 800-BAYLOR-U, Option 8, Option 2), by email ( Financial_Aid@Baylor.edu ), or in person (at Clifton Robinson Tower).