Funding Your Education
Contact the Office of Financial Aid
- 1303 San Jacinto Street
- Suite 267
- Houston, TX 77022
- Phone: 713-646-1820
- Fax: 713-659-3807
- studentservices@stcl.edu
- Types of Financial Aid
- Important Information & Resources
- Financial Aid Forms
- Policies
- Emergency Relief Assistance Reports (COVID-19)
Types of Financial Aid
Graduate students have several financial aid options available to help fund their educational costs at STCLH. Types of financial assistance includes loans, grants, scholarships, work study, and veterans benefits.
Sources of Financial Assistance include:
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program is available to graduate students through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This loan is not based on financial need, and interest begins accruing immediately after disbursement. Students may borrow up to annual and aggregate loan limits set by federal regulations.
Students must be enrolled atleast part-time to receive federal loans. Repayment typically begins after graduation or when enrollment drops below part-time.
Students must complete and maintain an active Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling prior to disbursement of federal student loans.
For more information on interest rates, loan limits or to apply visit studentaid.gov.
Private loans are non-federal educational loans offered through private lenders. These loans can help cover educational expenses not met by other financial aid.
Approval is typically credit-based, and students may need a creditworthy co-signer. Interest rates, fees, and repayment terms vary by lender, so students should carefully compare options before borrowing.
To assist you with researching private loans, visit this interactive website: FASTChoice
The College Access Loan (CAL) is a private alternative loan available through the state of Texas. Loans through this program have certain requirements including Texas residency.
To view further requirements, or to apply, for this loan program visit www.hhloans.com.
The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students, allowing them to earn money to help cover educational expenses. To participate in this program students must demonstrate financial need as determine through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
For more information on the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, requirements and process, click here.
The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state-funded program for Texas residents attending eligible non-profit private institutions.
Eligibility is based on financial need and state requirements, including enrollment and residency criteria. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible at studentaid.gov.
Visit www.hhloans.com for further program information and requirements.
Students who are not eligible to apply for FAFSA, and are determined to be a Texas state resident, may complete a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to be considered for state financial aid programs.
STCLH participates in the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) program. Students are reviewed for TEG eligibility based on their FAFSA or TASFA applications.
For more TASFA information or to complete an application click here.
To view if you are eligible to complete a FAFSA for federal student aid programs, visit studentaid.gov/eligibility.
Students may apply to both internal and external scholarships to assist in funding their education at STCLH. Students are encouraged to explore both scholarships offered through their AcademicWorks portal and external scholarship opportunities through private organizations.
Availability may be limited for graduate students and can be based on academic standing, GPA, financial need, and/or other criteria.
Note: Newly admitted students will be notified when scholarship applications are open for their 2L year.
STCLH is proud to support students who are eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To ensure timely processing, students are encouraged to apply early and remain enrolled in eligible coursework.
For more information, or to begin the certification process, click here.
Students are encouraged to carefully review all available options and borrow responsibly, considering both current needs and future repayment obligations.
Important Information & Resources
STCLH is committed to providing students with the information and resources needed to confidently plan and navigate the financial aspects of their education. Students are highly encouraged to view the Planning Ahead webpage to to build a strong financial foundation.
To view tuition and fee costs, cost of attendance budgets, and disbursement information visit our Tuition & Fee Schedule.
Financial Aid Forms
- Apartment Verification Letter Request
- Childcare Expense Form
- Loan Modification Request Form
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form (Note: If your appeal is approved you will be sent the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Plan to complete.)
- Special Circumstance Application
- Spurgeon Bell Short – Term Loan Application
- Total Permanent & Disability Borrower Statement
Policies
Program Overview
The TEG program is designated to assist students attending Texas Private Institutions. Annual allocations are made based on annual need assessment reports submitted by STCLH. Qualifications for the program include:
- 12-month residency prior to attending STCLH as a 1L student
- financial need as determined by State Formula
- Be enrolled at least 3/4 time
- Be registered for selective service
- Selective Service will be validated at sss.gov after offers have been posted. Any male student not registered will be required to submit selective service registration verification.
Application Process
Prior to 2018-19, all newly admitted students completed a TEG application if they wish to receive an award. The applications were reviewed by each Senior Counselor for residency requirements. TEG applications are retained for 7 years according to the State of Texas record retention policy.
Beginning in 2018-19, the TEG paper application was removed as a requirement. Instead, several demographic questions located on the FAFSA will be compared to questions administered by the Admissions Office. Students with mismatched data will be asked to provide proof of Texas residency for 12 months prior to enrollment.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Students receiving TEG for the first time must meet STCLH’s SAP policy.
- For students who began in Spring 2025 and thereafter, any full-time student who fails to achieve a cumulative 2.000 GPA after their first semester, or any part-time student who fails to achieve a cumulative 2.000 GPA after their second semester, will be immediately dismissed for academic deficiency. Students who are dismissed are automatically placed in financial aid suspension and required to appeal upon reentry.
- Students receiving TEG at the end of the 2nd year and thereafter must meet the State’s SAP policy which is
- Completion of at least 18 credits
- 75% completion rate of credits
- 2.5 cumulative GPA
TEG Hardships
Students who are unable to receive the TEG due to credit hours or SAP, have the opportunity to complete a TEG Hardship application. This is an electronic form which they must complete and submit.
The assistant director or senior director will review this form and determine if the student has submitted appropriate documentation for a hardship approval. Once reviewed, the electronic form will notify the student if their hardship was approved or denied. Students must attach a personal statement and/or any supporting documentation.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
To receive funds administered by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at South Texas College of Law Houston, students must comply with the following Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. These standards are based on federal regulations that require the college to ensure that financial aid applicants are progressing through their academic programs at an acceptable pace while maintaining an acceptable cumulative grade point average (GPA). The SAP standards are separate from and in addition to other academic policies at the college, including the college’s policies concerning academic deficiency.
A student failing one or more of the SAP standards is placed on Warning status for the next semester (fall, spring or summer) in which the student is enrolled. If a student on Warning status fails one or more of the SAP standards when SAP is reviewed at the end of the semester during which the student is on Warning status, the student will be ineligible to receive financial aid from the programs managed by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for the next semester of enrollment. A student who becomes ineligible for financial aid has the right to file an appeal.
The SAP standards affect student eligibility for the following federal and state financial aid programs:
• Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized)
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan
• Federal Work Study
• Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) program
• Texas College Access Loan (CAL) program
• Other programs as determined by the Assistant Dean of Student Services
Determination of Satisfactory Academic Progress
For purposes of determining eligibility for financial aid, SAP is reviewed at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
- Grade Point Average (Qualitative): Students must not be considered “at risk” or “on probation” by the Office of the Registrar
- Grades used in the computation of the GPA are A, B, C, D (including + & -), F and WF. Grades of W, I, HP, and P count as hours attempted but do not affect the GPA computation.
- Completion Rate or Pace of Completion (Quantitative): Students must successfully complete at least 66-2/3% of the credit hours attempted at South Texas College of Law Houston. When computing the percentage of credit hours completed, the college does not round up. Credit hours attempted will include all accepted transfer credits (including consortium credits) and all credit hours attempted at the college. For this purpose, credit hours attempted include credit hours attempted for which the student did not receive financial aid, those from incomplete courses, courses from which the student withdraws, and courses that are repeated. In the case of a student who has attended South Texas College of Law Houston in the past and then re-enrolls, the college will include in credit hours attempted all credit hours from previously attempted courses. This procedure is followed regardless of how long ago the student attended and regardless of whether academic amnesty was granted. Students may modify their initial course schedule during the add/drop period of the semester without having the dropped classes included as attempted hours.
- Courses in which a grade of A, B, C, D, (including + & -), HP and P are earned are counted as completed. Students who initially receive a grade of “I” and subsequently receive a grade must notify the Financial Aid Office of the grade change so their academic progress status can be re-evaluated.
- Maximum Time Frame: To meet this requirement a student can attempt no more than 150% of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree. Example: a Juris Doctorate = 90 hours x 150% = 135 hours. Therefore, 135 hours is the maximum that can be attempted with financial aid.
- Early Dismissal Rule
- For students who began in Spring 2025 and thereafter, any full-time student who fails to achieve a cumulative 2.000 GPA after their first semester, or any part-time student who fails to achieve a cumulative 2.000 GPA after their second semester, will be immediately dismissed for academic deficiency. Students who are dismissed are automatically placed in financial aid suspension and required to appeal upon reentry.
Warning and Suspension Periods
The SAP evaluation process is performed after each full semester of each academic year (i.e., end of fall, spring and summer) to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid for the next semester in which the student enrolls. All students are evaluated whether or not they have received financial aid in prior semesters.
A student will be placed on warning as a result of one or both of the following reasons:
- be considered “at risk” or “on probation” by the Office of the Registrar
- below the cumulative 66-2/3% completion rate requirement
The warning period lasts until the SAP evaluation process is conducted at the end of the next semester of enrollment. Students will continue to be eligible for financial aid while on warning status for one semester.
If a student on warning status still does not meet the SAP standards when the next SAP evaluation process is conducted, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension. A student on financial aid suspension is ineligible for the federal and state financial aid programs listed in this policy. The student will remain ineligible until the student meets the minimum financial aid SAP standards. A student who becomes ineligible for financial aid because the student is on financial aid suspension has the right to file an appeal as described in this policy.
Completion of Degree Requirements
A student who has completed all degree requirements for the J.D. degree, as certified by the Office of the Registrar, is considered to have the degree and is no longer eligible for further financial aid for the J.D. degree.
Notices
Students who fail to meet the SAP requirements will be notified of their eligibility status for financial aid at the end of each semester. Notification will be provided electronically within ten business days after the SAP evaluation process is completed.
Notification will include information on the appeal process for those students who are determined not to be eligible for financial aid. Reference will be given to the process for appeal and the forms required.
Students who have failed to meet SAP standards and who do not enroll in the next semester will again be notified of their SAP status should they choose to re-enroll.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals
If a student believes there are extenuating circumstances beyond their control that have contributed to the failure to maintain SAP, they may petition to have the status changed. All appeals are reviewed for mitigating circumstances by the financial aid appeals committee. All situations must be fully documented, including supporting letters from Senior Counselors, doctors, ministers and/or other third parties. As part of the appeal, the student must provide information about why they failed to make SAP and what has changed in the student’s situation that would allow them to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation.
To file an appeal, students must submit the applicable form(s). The applicable forms: Appeal for Unsatisfactory Academic Progress, as well as the Time Frame Appeal are available on the web site. Appeals may be submitted by e-mail, fax or taken directly to the Financial Aid Office.
Extenuating and mitigating circumstances beyond a student’s control include but are not limited to:
- Serious illness;
- Documented learning disability;
- Documented medical condition that prevented completion;
- Death of an immediate family member;
- Involuntary call to active military duty;
- Emergency situations such as natural disasters;
- Maximum attempted hours have been reached
Appeals for the following reasons will not be approved:
- Withdrawing from class to maintain a higher grade point average;
- Withdrawing from or failing classes because of the student’s work requirements;
- Being previously ineligible for financial aid and returning to school after an absence;
- Conflict with a professor;
- Classes not being what was expected; and,
- Not being prepared for law school
Verification Policy
South Texas College of Law Houston will verify the information submitted on the FAFSA for any
student who meets the following conditions:
- Is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education and
- Accepts Federal Work-Study as part of his/her financial aid package
The information verified by the STCL Houston will depend upon the selected criteria as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. The following information may be verified as well as other information that may be in question:
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Income tax paid
- Household size and number in college
- Certain untaxed income
- Demographic data
FASFA COMMENT CODE POLICY
Frequently, the U.S. Department of Education flags a student’s FAFSA for irregularities through the use of a “Comment Code” that can include one or more of the following:
- Undergraduate Subsidized and Unsubsidized aggregate debt limit met
- Undergraduate and Graduate aggregate debt limit met
- Over-award of Undergraduate Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan
- Defaulted Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or Perkins Loan
- Bankruptcy filing
- Citizenship Status
- Social Security Number, name, or date of birth mismatch
- Overpayment of a Federal Grant or Loan
- Mismatched income data on FAFSA filed for two consecutive years
- Four or more previous institutions attended within a three-year period
- Selective Service Registration Requirement not met for males
- Veteran status
Verification Selection
Students selected for verification will be notified of the documentation required, applicable deadlines, and the consequences of failing to complete the verification process. The institution may also select additional applicants for verification based on institutional criteria or conflicting information.
Student Notification
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid Office will notify a student by email if he/she has been selected for verification or has been assigned a comment code by the U.S. Department of Education.
The email will provide students with a clear list of required documentation and instructions for submission. Acceptable documentation will be consistent with federal guidelines for each award year, including documentation of income, identity, and other FAFSA data elements as applicable.
Documentation Deadline
The deadline for a student to submit the required verification or other documentation will be 30 days from the date of the first email request. No student will be
awarded or disbursed federal student aid until all documents have been reviewed and the data in question has been resolved.
Students must submit all requested verification documentation within the timeframe established by the institution. Failure to submit required documentation may result in delays, cancellation of financial aid, or ineligibility for Title IV aid for the award year.
Conflicting Resolutions
If discrepancies are identified during verification, corrections will be submitted to the FAFSA Processing System. Students will be notified of any resulting changes to their Student Aid Index (SAI) and financial aid eligibility.
The institution is required to resolve any conflicting information identified during the financial aid process. No Title IV aid will be disbursed until all conflicting information has been reviewed and resolved in accordance with federal regulations.
Fraud Referral Statement
Cases of suspected fraud or misrepresentation will be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General in accordance with federal regulations.
*This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in federal regulations, including annual Federal Register notices governing verification requirements.
Policy Overview
Federal law requires that an institution calculate a return of loan funds if a student completely withdraws from all classes before the end of the semester. The calculation is based on the percentage of the semester or, in the case of specific programs like summer study-abroad, the program period completed and the amount of Federal Direct Loan funds that were disbursed. The return of Federal Direct Loan funds calculation is separate and distinct from the calculation for a refund of tuition and fees policy.
In accordance with 34 CFR 668.22 Return of Title IV Funds regulation, STCLH Houston will not perform a Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation for students who meet specific exemption criteria. A student is not considered withdrawn for Title IV purposes under the following conditions:
- The student never began attendance in any course for the payment period or period of enrollment. In this case, all Title IV aid will be canceled.
- The student completed all academic requirements for graduation prior to withdrawing.
How the Calculation Works
Upon notification of withdrawal from classes, the Financial Aid Office will calculate the amount of aid that STCLH Houston must return to the U.S. Department of Education. STCLH Houston will base the calculation on the last date of attendance as determined by the Registrar. This date will coincide with one of the following:
- The date the student began the withdrawal process
- The date the student officially notified STCLH Houston of the intent to withdraw
- The date that STCLH Houston initiated the withdrawal process
When a student has stopped attending classes without notifying STCLH Houston of an intent to withdraw, the date of determination is the point at which the instructors indicate the student’s last date of attendance in class.
To calculate the percentage of time the student has completed, the number of calendar days from the first day of classes to the last date of attendance is divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester or program. The amount of “earned” aid is based upon the results of this calculation. Scheduled breaks of five or more calendar days long are excluded from the calculation.
The following guidelines are used to determine the amount of aid that has been earned:
- If a student completes more than 60% of the semester for which aid has been awarded, the semester is deemed completed and no return of Federal loans is required.
- If a student completed less than 60% of the semester for which aid has been awarded, the percentage is multiplied by the total amount of Federal loan funds disbursed or scheduled to be disbursed. The difference between the amount of Federal loans earned and the total amount of Federal loans received is the amount of unearned aid.
We reserve the right to cancel and return all financial aid if a student has not yet received their refund for the term.
STCLH Attendance Policy
As an attendance taking institution, the Student Handbook has the attendance policy listed for students and faculty to follow on page 12 of the handbook, located at: https://stcl.edu/STANLEY/pdf/StudentHandbook.pdf.
Aid the College of Law Must Return
To determine the amount of Federal Direct loans the College of Law is responsible for returning, the institutional charges including tuition and fees are multiplied by the percentage of unearned aid. The amount the College is responsible for returning is compared to the total amount of unearned aid, the lesser amount is then returned to the student’s loans in the following order: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan followed by the Graduate PLUS loan. This amount is charged to the student’s account. At this point, the student’s situation is evaluated under the College’s Refund of Tuition and Fees policy.
Aid the Student Must Return
The student is responsible for returning any portion of the unearned aid that is not returned by the College of Law. This return of funds is in addition to any refund money the College is required to return. The student is responsible for repaying any Federal Direct loan funds according to the terms of the promissory note.
Post Withdrawal Disbursements
At the time of withdrawal, a student may not have received all of the Direct Loan funds deemed earned as a result of the calculation. In this situation, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student of this eligibility. The student may then request that the additional funds be disbursed or he/she may decline some or all of the funds to prevent incurring additional debt. The College of Law recommends that only funds required to meet direct educational expenses be requested to reduce overall debt.
Institutional Refund Policy
The institutional refund policy and determination of the institutional charges owed to STCLH Houston is not the same as the percentage of Federal Direct Loans earned. If the withdrawal occurs during the published institutional refund period, a separate calculation will be done by the Accounting Services Office and the student’s account will be adjusted according to the results of the calculation.
Exit Counseling Requirements
A student who withdraws from STCLH Houston is required to complete Student Loan Exit Counseling requirements within 30 days of withdrawal. Loan Exit Counseling information will be emailed to the student and can be found at www.studentloans.gov.
Commitment to Ethical Practices in Scholarships & Financial Aid
South Texas College of Law Houston and the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid are committed to conducting business in an ethical manner and with the highest level of integrity. To this end, our office adheres to Texas Education Code, Section 61.003 and Title IV, Higher Education Act of 1965 (Pub. L. No. 89-329). In addition, as a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, we comply with their Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct for Institutional Financial Aid Professionals.
This Code of Conduct is intended to reflect those requirements and will be reviewed and updated periodically to remain consistent with current laws and regulatory guidance.
Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct
NASFAA members are required to adhere to the following Statement of Ethical Principles as a condition of membership.
The primary goal of the financial aid professional is to help students achieve their educational potential by providing appropriate financial resources. Our members are required to exemplify the highest level of ethical behavior in helping students and families find the best ways to pay for college and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism. We take great pride in our essential task of helping our students and families determine the best ways to meet their
educational expenses.
The Financial Aid Professional shall:
- Be committed to removing financial barriers for those who wish to pursue postsecondary learning.
- Make every effort to assist students with financial need.
- Be aware of the issues affecting students and advocate their interests at the institutional, state, and federal levels.
- Support efforts to encourage students, as early as the elementary grades, to aspire to and plan for education beyond high school.
- Educate students and families through quality consumer information.
- Respect the dignity and protect the privacy of students, and ensure the confidentiality of student records and personal circumstances.
- Ensure equity by applying all need analysis formulas consistently across the institution’s full population of student financial aid applicants.
- Provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or economic status.
- Recognize the need for professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Promote the free expression of ideas and opinions, and foster respect for diverse viewpoints within the profession.
- Commit to the highest level of ethical behavior and refrain from conflict of interest or the perception thereof.
- Maintain the highest level of professionalism, reflecting a commitment to the goals of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
This summary is provided in accordance with federal requirements and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable laws and institutional policies.
Student Rights
You have the right to know:
- What financial aid programs are available at your school.
- The deadlines for submitting applications for each of the programs.
- How financial aid will be distributed, how decisions on distribution are made, and the basis for these decisions.
- How your financial need was determined.
- What resources were considered in the calculation of your need.
- How much of your financial need as determined by the institution has been met.
- The details of the various programs in your student aid package.
- Your school’s refund policy.
- What portion of the financial aid you received must be repaid, and what portion is grant aid. If the aid is a loan, you have the right to know the interest rate, the total amount that must be repaid, the payback procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment is to begin.
- How your school determines if you are making satisfactory progress, and what happens if you are not.
- How your school determines return of funds to Title IV programs if you withdraw from the college.
- Access your academic transcripts in accordance with federal and state regulations, including protections related to coursework paid with federal financial aid.
Students have the right to receive clear, accurate, and timely information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and any conditions associated with their aid. This includes transparent communication of costs, repayment obligations, and the impact of enrollment changes.
Student Responsibilities
In accepting your responsibilities, you must:
- Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the proper place.
- Provide correct information. In most instances, misreporting information on financial aid application forms is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense that could result in indictment under the US Criminal Code.
- Return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid or the agency to which you submitted your application.
- Be responsible for reading and understanding all communications related to your financial aid.
- Be responsible for reading and understanding all forms that you are asked to sign, and for keeping copies of them.
- Live up to all agreements that you sign.
- Perform the work agreed on in accepting a work-study award.
- Be aware of and comply with deadlines for application or reapplication for aid.
- Be aware of your school’s refund procedures.
- Report changes in name, address, telephone number, and enrollment status to Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
- Maintain awareness of how enrollment changes may impact your eligibility.
This summary is provided in accordance with federal requirements and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable laws and institutional policies.
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties, including monetary damages, fines, and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please visit the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at: www.copyright.gov.
STCLH prohibits the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material using its information technology systems. Violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with institutional policies, up to and including suspension or termination of network access and other student sanctions.
This summary is provided in accordance with federal requirements and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable laws and institutional policies.
Every year, millions of prospective college students seek creative ways to finance the markedly rising costs of a college education. In the process, they sometimes fall prey to scholarship and financial aid scams.
On November 5, 2000, Congress passed the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000 (CSFPA). The CSFPA enhances protection against fraud in student financial assistance by establishing sentencing guidelines for criminal financial aid fraud. It also charged the Department, working in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with implementing national awareness activities, including scholarship fraud awareness information on the US Department of Education (ED) web site: studentaid.gov/scams
According to the FTC, perpetrators of financial aid fraud often use these telltale lines:
- The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.
- You can’t get this information anywhere else.
- Requesting a credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.
- Promises that they’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.
Financial aid fraud may also involve identity theft, including the unauthorized use of another individual’s personal information to apply for federal student aid. This can result in significant financial and legal consequences for both victims and perpetrators.
Suspected financial aid fraud, including FAFSA misrepresentation or theft of federal funds, should be reported to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG) via their online hotline form at oighotlineportal.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-MIS-USED. Reports can be made anonymously to investigate fraud, waste, or abuse.
The institution takes financial aid fraud seriously and will cooperate with federal and state authorities in the investigation and resolution of suspected fraud cases.
To file a complaint, report, or for free information, students should call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or visit: https://consumer.ftc.gov/node/77477
