Students looking for additional sources of funding to supplement their financial aid packages often apply for outside scholarships. Financial aid consultants and online scholarship search companies are popular. These companies can be very helpful, but it is important for students to understand how the process works so that they are not taken advantage of as they look for scholarships. Some of the services offered by consulting companies can be provided by the financial aid office. If you need help filling out your FAFSA or understanding different types of financial aid, the Financial Aid Office is here to help – free of charge! Here are some tips to keep you safe while searching for those extra dollars:
- Check with companies and organizations that you are already familiar with such as churches, places of employment, stores, or your bank or credit union. Sometimes these groups offer scholarships that you have not heard about.
- Another great source of scholarship opportunities is the high school guidance counselor’s office. They receive notices on scholarships and would love to help. Opportunities may even be listed on the high school’s website.
- Working with an unfamiliar organization? Be sure to review the reputation of the organization that you would like to utilize before giving them any money or personal information. You can visit the following trusted websites for more information:
- U.S. Department of Education: https://studentaid.gov/resources/scams
- Federal Trade Commission: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams
- Better Business Bureau: https://www.bbb.org/
- The National Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors (NASFAA) has recommended these free online scholarship search engines:
- FinAid: http://www.finaid.org/
- Big Future by The College Board: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-scholarships
- Fastweb: http://www.fastweb.com/
