How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer and Get More Money

What Is a Financial Aid Appeal and When Should You Use It?

A financial aid appeal is a formal request for a college's financial aid office to re-evaluate your aid eligibility based on circumstances not reflected on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's sometimes called a 'special circumstance review.'

You should consider an appeal when you've experienced a significant change in your family's financial situation after submitting your FAFSA. The most common reasons include a parent's job loss or reduced income, unexpected medical expenses not covered by insurance, or changes in household structure like divorce or separation.

You can also appeal if you receive a more generous financial aid offer from a comparable institution. In that case, you're essentially asking the school to match or improve its offer to remain competitive.

• Job loss or significant reduction in household income
• Unexpected medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Divorce or separation of parents
• A more generous offer from a comparable school

Sources: College Finance, Finaid.org, Fastweb, AffordableCollegesOnline.org, Oriel Admissions

Understanding Professional Judgment

Financial aid administrators have the authority to make adjustments to your aid package using a process called professional judgment. This means they can adjust the data used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) or components of your Cost of Attendance (COA) to better reflect your current situation.

Professional judgment is not a blank check. It's a discretionary tool that allows the aid office to make case-by-case decisions based on documented, special circumstances. You'll need to provide clear evidence that your financial situation has materially changed.

It's important to understand that professional judgment is limited to adjusting the data elements on your FAFSA or your cost of attendance. It doesn't guarantee a specific outcome, but it opens the door for a revised aid package.

• Aid administrators can adjust your SAI or COA per federal guidelines.
• You must document the special circumstances.
• Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Sources: College Finance, College Flight Path

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Appeal

Documentation is critical for a successful appeal. Without proof, the financial aid office has no way to verify your claims. The type of documentation you'll need depends on your reason for appealing.

For a job loss, you might include a termination letter or recent pay stubs showing reduced income. For medical expenses, gather bills or insurance explanations of benefits. If you're appealing due to a competing offer, include the competitor's award letter.

Before you gather everything, contact the financial aid office to ask about their specific process and requirements. Different schools may have different deadlines or forms. It's always better to ask first than to submit an incomplete appeal.

1. Contact the financial aid office to learn their appeal process and required forms.
2. Identify your specific reason for appealing and the documentation that supports it.
3. Collect supporting documents, such as termination letters, pay stubs, medical bills, or a competing award letter.
4. Make copies of all documents and keep the originals for your records.

Sources: College Finance, Oriel Admissions, Thrivent, AffordableCollegesOnline.org

Writing a Compelling Appeal Letter

Your appeal letter is your chance to tell your story in a clear, professional way. It should be concise and specific, explaining exactly what has changed and how it affects your ability to pay for college.

Start by stating your name, student ID, and the reason for writing. Then describe your circumstances in a factual tone, avoiding emotional pleas. Include the specific financial impact, such as a percentage loss of income or the amount of unexpected expenses.

Attach your supporting documents and mention them in the letter. If the school has a form, include that as well. End with a clear request for a specific action, such as 'I would like to request a professional judgment review of my financial aid package.'

Remember, the goal is to provide a compelling, factual case. Avoid sharing more personal details than necessary, and stay professional throughout.

• Be concise and specific about what has changed.
• Include documentation that supports your claims.
• Request a professional judgment review.
• Proofread for clarity and professionalism.

Sources: University of Cincinnati, College Essay Guy, Fastweb, AffordableCollegesOnline.org

Submitting the Appeal and Following Up

Once your letter and documentation are ready, submit your appeal as soon as possible. Ideally, you should file it within 7-14 days of receiving your award letter, but check with the school for their specific deadline.

After submitting, follow up if you haven't received a response within two to four weeks. A polite email or phone call to the financial aid office can help ensure your appeal is being processed.

If you don't hear back, don't assume your appeal has been denied. Sometimes the review process takes longer, especially during peak seasons. Keep a record of all communications, including dates and the names of people you spoke with.

1. Submit your appeal promptly after receiving your award letter.
2. Note the school's deadline and any required forms.
3. Wait two to four weeks for a response.
4. If no response, follow up with a polite inquiry.

Sources: Oriel Admissions, Fastweb, Red Kite, University of Cincinnati, College Finance, Thrivent, Finaid.org

Alternative Options If Your Appeal Is Denied

If your appeal is denied, it's not the end of the road. There are other ways to fill the funding gap.

You can continue to search for scholarships, including private scholarships or institutional awards you might not have applied for yet. Work-study programs are another option, as they provide part-time employment to help with educational expenses. Federal student loans, while they must be repaid, can also help cover costs.

Some schools have a secondary appeal process, but it's rare. If you're set on attending a particular school, consider reaching out to the financial aid office to discuss any other options they might offer.

• Apply for additional scholarships.
• Explore work-study opportunities.
• Consider federal student loans as a last resort.
• Ask the financial aid office if a secondary appeal is possible.

Sources: Finaid.org, Fastweb, Red Kite, College Finance