BaylorStudent Financial ServicesStudent Financial AidTypes of Financial AidScholarshipsAvoiding Scholarship Scams

Avoiding Scholarship Scams

The financial aid application process is free. There is no need to pay to find scholarships or pay to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please be aware that fafsa.com is a commercial website, and charges a fee to file your FAFSA.

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
  • You'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

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:

www.fastweb.com

To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) go to:

www.fafsa.gov.

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

We are here to help you through the financial aid process. Baylor financial aid counselors are available by phone at 254-710-2611 or 800-BAYLOR-U, Option 8, Option 2, by contacting us here, or in person at Clifton Robinson Tower.