College of the Desert Warns Students Of Financial Aid Scams

The following is an Aug. 19, 2024, news announcement from College of the Desert:

PALM DESERT, CA — Students should be cautious of viral social media trends sharing financial aid advice to get more financial aid. For trustworthy financial aid advice, students should contact College of the Desert’s Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office at College of the Desert is committed to connecting students in the Coachella Valley with affordable higher education. They offer reliable information about the financial aid process and assist students via phone, email, workshops and in-person services.

Applying for financial aid gives students the opportunity to receive funds through federal, state, institutional, and local agencies, which can help decrease the financial burden for many college students.

"Our staff is highly knowledgeable and ready to assist students with the financial aid process at no charge," said Kristin Milligan, Director of Financial Aid. "We want students to know we are always here to support them and should be their primary resource for financial aid information. I urge students not to rely on social media trends for financial aid guidance. Any questions they have can be addressed by our experienced team."

The Financial Aid Office has locations at College of the Desert’s Palm Desert and Indio campuses.

The Palm Desert office operates Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is at the Cravens Student Service Center on the second floor.

The Indio office operates Monday-Wednesday, on Mondays from 9-11 a.m., and 1-4 p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday, it is open from 9-11 a.m., and 1-3 p.m. It is located at the Administration and Student Support Services on the second floor.

The Financial Aid Office is a resource for students to receive trustworthy information and advance their education while decreasing financial stress.

To meet with a financial aid specialist visit: https://collegeofthedesert.edu/students/fin-aid/.