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• U .S . Department of Veterans Affairs: If you (or your spouse) are a veteran or you’re the dependent of a veteran, veterans’ educational benefits may be available. Information is available at
www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Watch Out for Scams
The Federal Trade Commission warns students that there are unscru- pulous companies out there who will guarantee or promise you schol- arships, grants, or too-good-to-be-true financial aid packages. You may have already attended a seminar where high-pressure salespeople told you that you must pay immediately or risk losing out on the “opportunity.” REMEMBER: Legitimate companies never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants.
These companies guarantee students that they can get scholarships in exchange for an advance fee. Many offer a "money-back guarantee" but the conditions governing the refund make it impossible to get the refund.
The FTC recommends that you watch out for these telltale 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.
If you attend a seminar on financial aid or scholarships, the FTC recommends that you follow these steps:
• Take your time. Don't be rushed into paying at the seminar.
Student Loans and the Cost of a Good Education