Beware of companies offering financial aid for a cost

The Iowa College Aid Commission is issuing a warning to high school students and their parents: be wary of companies peddling scholarship research services. College Aid Commission director Gary Nichols says there are some disreputable companies selling scholarship searches. He says parents and students need to make sure they get a product that’s worth the price.Nichols says several organizations, like his own, help students fill out applications for federal student aid and other scholarships — without charging a fee. Nichols says there are some warning signs. He says if they ask for a fee before giving any information that’s a warning sign. Nichols says many such organizations claim there are millions of dollars that go unclaimed, when that’s not the case.Nichols doesn’t know of any private consulting firms in Iowa who are marketing scholarship research services.