Financial Aid Links
Free Application for Student Aid-FAFSA-New Application for 2026-27 academic year
Quick Overview:
Scholarships are gifts of money from various institutions that are to be used for educations.
Unfortunately, scholarship scams exist and further reading could be read in the article, The Student Guide to Scholarship Application Safety. Below are the 7 most common (Be skeptical if these present themselves to you):
"The Scholarship Sweepstakes"
Scholarship Application Fee-Don't pay for a scholarship...ever
Scholarship Matching Services and Websites
The "Payment Due" Scholarship
Scholarship Seminars
Financial Aid Filing Service
Financial Aid Taxes Due
Tell-Tale Signs of a Scholarship Scam (If you see or hear these or a variation of these don't apply):
"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. You just pay a processing fee."
"The scholarship will cost some money."
"You've been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship"
"You're a finalist."-even though you've never entered that contest.
Other Warning Signs:
No evidence that the sponsor exists
The scholarship has an entry fee
Judging requirements are not clearly defined
Last tips in applying for scholarships:
Make sure its a "secure" site
If you have an uneasy or unsure feeling...don't apply
Or call a contact...if you can't find one, don't apply