College Funding Specialists

Mar 2025

I used to receive 1 or 2 junk emails every week. After I signed up for a workshop with College Funding Specialists using my email, I started getting at least 5 or 6 junk emails every DAY, each from a different Gmail account. Be aware of the scam!

Aug 2023

They're pathetic spammers who illegally bought parents' email addresses and constantly spam people without the legally required unsubscribe link. Hopefully the FTC will shut them down.EDIT -- Their reply belies their ignorance of Federal law and basic politeness. They sent out spam without a working unsubscribe link as required by Federal Law (CAN-SPAM). As to their assertion that they got my contact information from the district that is not true as RRISD is prohibited by FERPA from sharing my information as we have opted out. Given their obvious lack of morals and a tenuous relationship with the truth at best, one should never use their services.

Feb 2021

Ryan will tell you that he knows the right things to say to colleges to get them to assist you with financial assistance. He knows the buzz words, he says. So, you might be tempted to pay the $1700 fee and the $40/month for the generic e-newsletter. You may think this will all be worth it when he helps you negotiate the college costs because that is ultimately why you have hired him, right? Wrong. Instead, you will pay the $1700 plus $40/month to receive: a plastic file folder box with files (that would cost around $20 at Staples); generic monthly e-newsletters; a filing of your FAFSA (this may/may not be filed late--ours was filled very late-- and any of Ryan's clients will be able to hack into your FAFSA since he gives all clients the same password); and finally, a generic form letter for you to copy and paste to send to your university. One that says something like: "Dear [insert university name here], while we appreciate all that you did for us with scholarships, but our student [insert name here] has [add qualities here] and is considering other colleges like [add specifics here] that have been more generous with scholarships. We hope you will consider giving us more aid for our [daughter/son]." He might also email you sensitive documents with personal information, including social security numbers...etc. Unfortunately for us, this was a $2500 expensive lesson for nothing but frustration. For better and more secure advice, there are plenty of college groups online--like "Paying for College 101" on Facebook-- with parents online offering much better advice... that is more updated and free!