Can you appeal financial aid

Kathryn Knight Randolph March 30, More families than ever will need to appeal financial aid this year. Find out how to do it successfully. Please try again later. Financial Apps. Identity Theft. More from. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances.

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This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. It might be less generous than another school's offer was. It might have too many loans and not enough free aid like grants and scholarships. Or the information you gave on the FAFSA might no longer reflect your family's current financial situation and now you need more money. That's when you know it's time to file an appeal. The financial aid appeal process varies from school to school.

There are two situations when you should appeal your financial aid award:. These changes can include a birth or death, unemployment, disability, divorce, lowered income, moving, selling a house or having another child enter college.

Most colleges will help you find additional need-based aid — but you have to back up your claims. Supplying supporting documents, such as medical bills, helps. They're more eager to fill their spots. If your scores are in the 75th percentile or higher, you may be able to leverage them to secure more merit-based aid.

A typical appeals process involves writing a letter , providing financial documentation, and meeting with a financial aid advisor. See below for a few reasons why incoming and enrolled students appeal their financial aid. College students struggling with how to appeal their financial aid should first assess their circumstances and contact their school's financial aid department.

Advisors provide information regarding the appeals process and requirements. Writing a financial aid appeal letter starts by determining whether individual circumstances merit it. Make a list of the events affecting the need for financial aid. Some learners discover that remedying their financial situation does not require an appeal. For example, they may begin working part time or apply for additional scholarships.

College and university financial aid advisors provide students with information regarding financial aid appeals, such as eligibility requirements and the appeals process. Degree-seekers should write down their questions and concerns before meeting with an advisor. This ensures they leave knowing how to proceed with an appeal. Learners may need to submit more than a financial aid appeal letter to increase their aid amount. Typical requirements include tax forms, a letter from an employer, a W-2, or other documentation.

Additional information beyond what a school requires may bolster a student's case. Make copies of all documents before providing them to the financial aid department. A persuasive financial aid appeal letter addresses a specific person , such as the financial aid department's dean. The letter should also clearly state the need for more aid, the amount required, and an explanation of circumstances.

If necessary, ask about next steps. Do not forget to convey gratitude to readers for considering the appeal. No matter how persuasive a financial aid appeal letter, learners must submit it promptly. Students should also consider whether the financial aid office accepts letters by email, mail, or in person. Following the rules and meeting deadlines demonstrates professionalism and may influence the school's final decision. Changing a FAFSA form and writing a financial aid appeal letter serve the same purpose but require different steps.

A modified EFC may raise institutional financial aid considerably, making a financial aid appeal letter unnecessary.

Some degree-seekers with a modified EFC may still need additional aid. These learners can write a financial aid appeal letter to their school's financial aid department.