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)
consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scholarship-financial-aid-scams
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:
Baylor University offers a free scholarship search for Baylor students, Scholarship Universe. Access your account today and start answering questions in a personal questionnaire. Based on your answers you will be matched with outside scholarship opportunities in the database tailored to your talents and specific criteria:
baylor.scholarshipuniverse.com
To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) go to:
To get help completing the FAFSA:
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243);
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
For information on student aid for college:
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243);
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
We are here to help you through the financial aid process. Baylor One Stop is available by phone at 254-710-2611 or 800-BAYLOR-U, Option 8, Option 2, or by contacting us online.
Outside Scholarship Search Engines