How to Appeal for Financial Aid for More Money?
If your financial aid offer letter falls short of what you need to attend your dream school, don’t despair! Many colleges allow you to appeal the decision. This process involves writing a financial aid appeal letter. It’s a formal request to a financial aid administrator, asking them to reconsider your financial aid package.
A well-written appeal letter can significantly increase your chances of securing the additional funds needed to bridge the gap and attend your target college. While there’s no guarantee of success, the financial aid office is unlikely to penalize you for appealing. However, it’s crucial to understand that appeals are not granted for minor discrepancies.
Financial aid administrators might adjust certain data points impacting your award, but a compelling reason is necessary for a full reconsideration. Let’s explore the situations that truly warrant an appeal letter, where a well-documented explanation of your circumstances can make a significant difference.
Common Reasons for Financial Aid Appeal Letters
Colleges receive financial aid appeal letters from students for various reasons. Here are some of the most common:
Changes in financial circumstances
This is the most common reason for an appeal. If a student’s family’s financial situation has gotten worse since they submitted their FAFSA application, they can appeal for more aid. This could be due to job loss, a medical emergency, a death in the family, or other unexpected events.
FAFSA errors
Sometimes mistakes are made when filling out the FAFSA application. If these errors result in a student receiving less financial aid than they qualify for, they can appeal to have their aid package recalculated.
A comparable college offered you more money
If another school with a similar cost of attendance offered you a more generous financial aid package, you can use this information in your appeal to try to get your preferred school to match the offer.
Special circumstances
Other significant events that could affect your ability to afford college can be grounds for an appeal. This might include homelessness, having to care for a sick family member or other unexpected burdens.
Appealing for More Financial Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide
Financial aid appeals are most successful when submitted promptly. Many schools have limited funds for financial aid, so the sooner you submit your appeal, the better your chances of receiving additional assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to increase your chances of a successful appeal.
Step 1: Contact your school’s financial aid office
Appeal processes vary by school. Contact your school’s financial aid office to learn about their specific procedures and requirements. Some schools may require a form in addition to a letter, while others may have an entirely different process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Step 2: Determine your funding need
Once you understand the appeal process, figure out the minimum additional financial aid you need to attend school comfortably. Be specific and include this exact amount in your appeal letter or form.
Step 3: Gather supporting documentation
Strengthen your appeal with solid evidence. This could include recent pay stubs, proof of unexpected medical bills, or copies of your latest tax return. Having documentation helps the financial aid office understand your situation more clearly.
Step 4: Write a clear and concise appeal letter
Keep your letter focused and honest. Briefly express your excitement about attending the school, but dedicate most of the space to explaining the specific reasons for your appeal. Aim for a one-page letter with a physical signature for a professional touch.
Step 5: Submit your appeal and supporting documents
After a final proofread to ensure clarity and professionalism, submit your appeal package. Typically, this includes your letter and any supporting documentation. Most schools prefer mailed submissions, but some may allow online submissions. Check with the financial aid office for their preferred method.
5 Tips to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter
The key is to clearly show the financial hardship, regardless of the writer. Schools won’t revoke admission due to an appeal request.
Highlighting your specific circumstances
The core of your appeal letter should be specific examples showing how your unique circumstances limit your ability to afford college. Explain your situation clearly and concisely for the financial aid administrator’s easy comprehension.
Some experts suggest using a bulleted list to make it easier for them to connect your situation with any supporting documentation you include.
Maintaining a professional tone
Strive for a formal and confident tone in your appeal letter, avoiding any aggression. Instead of demanding more aid, politely request the administrator to “reconsider” the initial offer.
Proofreading for grammar is crucial. Consider having someone review your letter before submitting it.
Courtesy and honesty are key
Be genuine and respectful throughout your request. Financial aid administrators have discretion when deciding appeals, so maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor is essential. They likely deal with challenging situations regularly, so politeness can significantly impact the outcome.
Quantify the impact
Don’t just describe the hardship; put a number on it. This could be unexpected medical bills, a recent job loss, or even the high cost of housing near the college. By providing specific figures, you paint a clearer picture of the financial strain and how much additional aid would make a difference.
Show initiative and resourcefulness
Briefly mention what steps you’ve already taken to make college more affordable. This could be scholarships you’ve applied for, a part-time job you’ve secured, or a willingness to take on additional work-study hours. Demonstrating initiative shows the financial aid officer you’re responsible and committed to making your education work.
7 Strategies to Appeal for Financial Aid for More Money
1. Appeal early
Don’t wait until the deadline. Check the specific appeal process and deadlines for each school you’re considering. Many schools have online forms or clear instructions on their financial aid websites. Aim to submit your appeal within 2-4 weeks of receiving your financial aid offer.
2. Assess your circumstances
Think beyond just income changes. Gather documentation for any significant financial hardships that weren’t reflected in your FAFSA or institutional forms. This could include
- Job loss: A termination letter or recent paystubs showing reduced income.
- Medical bills: Statements from hospitals or doctors detailing unexpected medical expenses.
- Natural disasters: Documentation from FEMA or insurance companies proving damage to your home or property.
- High dependent care costs: Receipts for child care or eldercare expenses.
- Divorce or separation: Legal documents showing a change in financial responsibility.
3. Be respectful, not demanding
Frame your appeal as professional communication. Acknowledge the financial aid office’s limitations and express your gratitude for their initial offer. Focus on the new information you’re providing and how it impacts your ability to afford the school.
4. Talk to the financial aid office
A phone conversation allows for a more personal touch. Research the names and contact information of financial aid counselors assigned to your school or program. Prepare talking points beforehand to ensure your conversation is clear and concise. Explain your situation, the documentation you’re providing, and the specific amount of additional aid you’re requesting.
5. Consider the admissions office (for merit aid)
If your appeal is related to merit aid and not need-based aid, contacting the admissions office might be more relevant. Research the admissions contact for your program or major. Explain how your academic achievements or extracurricular involvement make you a valuable addition to the school and how the current financial aid package hinders your ability to attend.
6. Leverage competing offers (carefully)
If another college offered a more generous financial aid package, you can mention it in your appeal. Provide a copy of the competing offer letter but avoid sounding boastful. Focus on the affordability factor and how the other school’s package allows you to attend their institution.
7. Hold off on the deposit (strategically)
Many schools require a deposit to secure your spot. Check the deposit deadline carefully. Consider waiting to submit the deposit if the financial aid offer makes attending the school a significant financial burden. This shows the college you’re seriously considering other options but be prepared to decide by the deadline if your appeal isn’t successful.
From the Desk of Yocket
Appealing for financial aid is absolutely worthwhile if attending your dream school depends on those extra funds. It also allows you to explain your circumstances, which might not be fully reflected in the standard financial aid application process. A well-written appeal with clear documentation can bring unseen expenses or financial changes to light. It can potentially lead to an increased aid package.
However, it’s important to approach appeals with realistic expectations. Financial aid offices have limited resources and prioritize situations with significant financial hardship. Appeals for minor discrepancies or a desire for a more prestigious school likely won’t be successful. The strongest appeals focus on documented changes in a family’s financial situation, unexpected medical bills, or special circumstances that significantly impact affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a financial aid appeal?
A financial aid appeal is a formal request to a college’s financial aid office to reconsider your financial aid award. This is typically done if you believe your financial aid package doesn’t adequately cover your cost of attendance.
When should I appeal for financial aid?
You should act fast to appeal your financial aid award. While appeals are always an option, doing so soon after receiving your letter and showing a significant financial change (like job loss, medical bills, or income decrease) strengthens your case for more aid.
What should my financial aid appeal include?
Your financial aid appeal should give a clear and concise explanation of why you’re appealing. Add documentation to support your claim. This could include recent tax returns, pay stubs, medical bills, or any other relevant financial information. The specific amount of additional aid you’re requesting.
What happens after I submit my financial aid appeal?
The financial aid office will review your appeal and make a decision. The turnaround time can vary from two weeks to six weeks. They may request additional information from you during this process.