How to write a financial aid appeal letter

Student loans and grants can help students and families meet the high cost of earning a college degree. However, if a school's financial aid package doesn't match the amount your student needs to pay for college, under certain special circumstances such as an error on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) or changes to a family’s financial circumstances, you may be eligible to file a financial aid appeal letter.

Be sure to thank the school for its offer before asking them to take a second look at the aid package on the table and consider increasing the amount.

Here are some tips to help you prepare a successful financial aid appeal letter:

1. Contact the school's financial aid office

Before you begin writing your appeal letter, reach out to the school to find out the guidelines for appealing a financial aid package. The school may require a specific format or supporting documentation, for example.

2. Make sure your reason for appeal is valid

Appeals are in place for extenuating circumstances. You’ll need a valid reason to request an additional amount of aid, such as:

• An error on your student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that resulted in a lower aid amount
• Changes to your family's financial situation that occurred since you completed the FAFSA (for example, a drop in income caused by an illness or job loss)
• Going through a divorce or the death of a parent or legal guardian
• Having an ongoing financial commitment that wasn't covered by the FAFSA, such as paying medical expenses for a disabled child
• Adding a new family member to the household since completing the FAFSA
• Significant physical or mental health challenges

3. Detail your reasons for appealing

In your financial aid appeal letter, use language that’s succinct, transparent, and honest when outlining the reasons for the appeal.

First, briefly explain that you're writing to appeal your financial aid package, including the amount and the date of the award.

Focus the body of the letter on outlining the facts of your situation and why you believe additional aid is merited or needed. Remember that you're asking for aid, not demanding it, so keep the tone polite and courteous.

If you know exactly how much additional aid is needed, be sure to include the amount and explain what college expenses the funding will help cover. Specify the type of financial aid you're seeking, whether it's loans, grants, or work-study assistance.

If another school has offered a larger aid package, you may want to mention that, and ask for a matching amount.

Close the letter by thanking the financial aid officer for reviewing your appeal, and ask about any next steps in the appeal process.

Have a backup plan

The appeals process may take several weeks. While you wait, consider other options for paying for college in case the appeal doesn't succeed.

Encourage your student to look into scholarships and grants offered by the school, as well as through private and public organizations. Finally, consider whether you should take out private student loans to fill any gaps not met by federal aid. In some cases, a private student loan can be a better option than a federal loan.

Made ready for college

Click here for more information about how to pay for college. You can call 1-888-411-0266 or stop by your nearest Citizens branch.