How to Appeal for More Financial Aid

Many families wonder how they can appeal for more financial aid. Who should they talk to? What should they say? What information do they need? Let’s take a look at how to appeal for more college financial aid.

What is a Financial Aid Appeal?

I categorize an appeal as a situation where we’re asking for more need-based financial aid. This is different from asking for an increase in merit-based scholarship, which I refer to as more typical negotiation or haggling with the school. A financial aid appeal boils down to a situation where the information you reported on your financial aid applications – typically the FAFSA and CSS Profile – doesn’t accurately reflect your current financial situation.

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Who to Contact to Start a Financial Aid Appeal

Appeals are fairly unique school-to-school. The benefit from this is that you could receive different responses from each school you communicate with, some potentially offering more need-based financial aid as a result of the appeal. The downside is that since it’s a unique process each school can require its own forms and procedure to complete an appeal.

A good starting point is the financial aid office, specifically the counselor that the student is assigned to in the financial aid office. You can mention that your situation has changed and you’d like to know what is required for you to file an appeal to be considered for more need-based financial aid.

What Information is Required to File an Appeal?

A common reason to appeal is a job loss or reduction of income or assets. This is comparing the amount that is reported on the financial aid form to your current situation. For example, if you were required to report your 2021 tax information on the financial aid forms, but you are currently unemployed or earning less in 2023, you could appeal for more need-based aid consideration.

Schools will typically require you to write an appeal letter describing the situation. They may have a specific template or ask for you to draft a letter. They will also look for documentation to support your appeal. This could be an updated tax return or statement of income. It could also be proof of unemployment compensation or your reduction of assets.

There is a lot to be gained from our free general financial aid advice, but it’s also a very individual process. If you have remaining financial aid questions, email us to discuss more or book an individual session.