BBB: Avoid extra expense when searching for college financial aid

The numbers can quickly overwhelm students and parents who are looking at college expenses.

Those numbers are not for the squeamish: The College Board reports that the average cost of tuition and fees for full-time students at public four-year colleges and universities for the 2014-15 year was $9,139, plus $1,146 for books and supplies.

The Better Business Bureau has this advice for families who are considering how to manage college costs: You already have enough expenses associated with college; be careful if you are thinking about adding on fees charged by some to help you find financial assistance.

There have always been people who will sell something that is available for free. College aid information is no exception. Usually the information that a company sells you is the same information you could get by searching online and using the public library.

The standard application for financial aid is almost always the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students and parents can complete it themselves, though the form is lengthy and time consuming. Call 800-4-FED-AID to get it and information about it.

College financial aid offices can help students find resources. Call the offices of the institutions that you or your child are considering. Different places may have different information requirements.

Many companies that claim they can help you find financial aid offer money-back guarantees if they fail to do so. But the fine print will have conditions that make it difficult to get your money back. Be especially wary of ones that say you have been selected for a financial award that you did not apply for. That is most likely a scam. Are they asking for bank account or credit card numbers or other information that is private? That’s a big red flag.

Yes, there are legitimate companies that can help you find financial aid. But be aware that they will not promise results.

Here are some things to keep in mind during your search for college financial assistance:

▪ Don’t let anyone rush you. At seminars or whenever approached by a sales rep, ignore pleas to act quickly.

▪ Evasiveness is your cue to leave. If a company will not directly address your questions, walk away.

▪ Ask around. Check with your school guidance counselor or a college financial aid office about any company you are considering.

▪ Ignore glowing success stories at seminars or on websites. Get specific names of families in your area who have experience with the company and talk to them.

▪ Ask about fees. Find out if refunds are available. Get it in writing but be aware that some dishonest companies may still refuse to provide refunds.

▪ Disregard any letter or e-mail stating that you have been selected to receive a scholarship for which you did not apply.

This story was originally published July 10, 2015 at 6:33 PM with the headline "BBB: Avoid extra expense when searching for college financial aid."