Why you should appeal your financial aid award and how you could get more money.
The goal of every college is to increase their enrollment, so they want you on their campus. That means you have some leverage when you are talking to a college about your financial aid award offer. It also shows the college you are genuinely considering attending their school when you go back to them and appeal (ask for a second review) your award letter, so it is in their best interest to try to work with you.
Check out our information below for how you can appeal your aid.
It is a good practice in general to go back to the college you want to attend and ask for any additional financial aid that may be available, but in some cases it actually is recommended. Here are some great examples of when you can file an appeal for more financial aid:
Remember! Colleges want you on their campuses and financial aid officers are not your enemy. They are there to help you pay for college but they do need to work within the school’s budget. Take a positive approach when asking for more aid and be polite. If there is any extra money to be found you will need the financial aid officer’s help!
Also, don’t forget you will need to apply for financial aid each year you are enrolled in college, so building a good relationship with your financial aid office is going to help you. They may not find extra financial aid for you this year, but they may be able to find more money for you for next year!
You should feel empowered to negotiate with financial aid officers to attempt to receive a better financial aid package. The college will not reduce the award you have already been given, so the worst that can happen is the financial aid officer could say no and leave you with that first offer. Here are some strategies for what to do.
People are more willing to help when they understand the perspective of someone who is calm and making a reasonable request. Make sure to prepare a list of compelling reasons for why you are appealing your aid and don’t get flustered if the financial aid officer pushes back, just ask, “Is this the best you can do?”
It’s helpful to speak to someone you’ve already built a connection with. It’s also a good idea to figure out who is in charge so you can speak directly to the decision maker.
Start your conversation with a question.
If the school really wants you to attend, they may be willing to match the offer. Be prepared to share copies of other award packages.
Financial aid officers often have scholarship money available that isn’t posted on an updated website. Always ask the financial aid office if there are additional scholarships available before you decide whether or not you can afford to attend that college.
Even though you weren’t able to share your senior year grades when you applied, colleges do care about your most recent grades because it provides current evidence of your achievement and work ethic. If your GPA has gone up since you first applied, make sure to inform your financial aid officer.
If your family is dealing with unexpected expenses (like hospital bills), or other hardships that were not apparent on your FAFSA, be sure to explain this to the financial aid officer. Financial aid officers may have the ability to override what was automatically calculated on your FAFSA. Be prepared to show documentation of these expenses or circumstances if the school requests proof of your situation.
If you do end up calling the financial aid office, or connecting on Zoom, try using this script to help you prepare:
Student: Hello, may I speak to Financial Aid Officer [financial aid officer’s last name]?
Financial Aid Officer: This is Financial Aid Officer [financial aid officer’s last name].
Student: I’m glad I was able to reach you. My name is [Fellow name] and I currently attend [high school name] in [city]. [COLLEGE NAME] has been my top choice school since I began searching for colleges last year. I recently received my financial aid award letter, and I am worried that I will not be able to cover the costs associated with your school. Can you help me identify additional options for assistance?
Financial Aid Officer: I definitely can. Let me find your award letter so we can discuss it.
Student: Okay, great, thank you.
Financial Aid Officer: Alright, I found your award letter. It looks like you have several grants, both subsidized and unsubsidized Direct loans, and work-study.
Student: Yes, and I have a remaining out-of-pocket cost of $6,760. Based on the guidelines I have read, my out-of-pocket costs should be $4,000 or less. My family is also experiencing challenges with finances since we are paying for medical bills for my brother using my parents’ savings, which they might have been able to use to help pay for college.
Financial Aid Officer: I’m so sorry to hear that. I think that this could be an instance of extenuating circumstances that our office can review to determine how to best adjust your financial aid. Can you send copies of documentation of the medical bills and payments your parents are making to our office for us to review?
Student: Yes, I will talk to my parents and share copies with you as soon as possible. Thank you very much.
Free templates to help you appeal your financial aid.
Read MoreLearn how to view and compare your financial aid award letters.
Read MoreHow to renew your FAFSA each year so you can continue to receive financial aid for school.
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