What is a good reason to appeal financial aid?

Conventional wisdom says that you must have an excellent reason to successfully appeal a disappointing financial aid award, such as a job loss, a death, a divorce, large medical bills or other special circumstances.

How do I appeal financial aid?

To appeal for more financial aid for college, follow these steps:

1. Call the college financial aid office to ask about the appeals process.
2. Identify the special circumstances that affect your ability to pay for college.
3. Write an appeal letter.
4. Don’t ask for a specific amount of money.

What is an appeal letter for financial aid?

An appeal letter should include other information beyond specific examples of financial changes or hardships. A parent should thank the financial aid office for its consideration, and write briefly about the student’s excitement to attend the institution.

How do I write a financial aid appeal letter?

Your financial aid award appeal letter should include the following:

1. An address to a specific person.
2. A clear “ask” and a specific “why.” Ask the office to reconsider, then offer a clear-cut reason why you need more aid money.
3. Details of any special circumstances.
4. Appropriate documentation.
5. An exact amount.

How do I write an appeal letter for reconsideration?

Steps for Writing a Reconsideration Letter

1. Address the recipient in a formal manner.
2. Explain the dispute in detail.
3. List your arguments as to why the establishment’s decision should be reconsidered.
4. Add additional evidence or facts that would speak in your favor in this particular case.

Can you appeal financial aid award?

Can You Appeal Your Financial Aid Award Amount? Nearly all colleges and universities allow financial aid appeals. However, accepted reasons for an appeal vary among schools. A typical appeals process involves writing a letter, providing financial documentation, and meeting with a financial aid advisor.

How do you write a financial help letter?

Be formal and straightforward. The letter should simply be a statement of your pledge to provide support.

What should I include in the appeal letter?

A review of what lead to the decision based on facts. Give your account of the story and why you think the decision should be reversed.

How long to get answer for financial aid appeal?

Applicants may call, email, or visit the financial aid office after submitting appeals to see if the department requires additional documentation. The time needed to process and review appeals may vary among schools, but in general, candidates can expect a decision in less than one month.

What is appeal financial aid?

The financial aid appeal letter is your way of asking the financial aid office to reconsider their decision about your financial aid. Nothing is guaranteed–the financial aid office does not have to review your award simply because you wrote a letter. However, submitting an appeal can help them understand your situation.