How to write a financial aid appeal letter

Financial aid awards are a crucial part of choosing where to attend college. As you weigh which school will be a good and also affordable fit, you're eager to have all the information about what they can offer you.

But sometimes, the amounts offered in financial aid awards are surprisingly small relative to what you need. And it's sometimes due to a change in your financial circumstances or information on the FAFSA that makes your financial situation look stronger than it is.

In those situations, you may want to write a financial aid appeal letter to ask for an updated financial aid package that more accurately reflects your current financial reality. Here's what you need to know as you draft your request.

Financial aid offers are unlikely to be affected by small shifts in income or expenses, but big changes to your income and financial resources matter. In general, consider a FAFSA appeal letter when you or your parent or guardian lost a job or benefits, you or your family faced large, unexpected expenses or your dependency status changed.

Here are some common circumstances that might warrant a review of your financial aid:

• Job loss or major pay cut
• Parent or guardian's death or divorce
• Termination of child support or alimony
• Decrease in Social Security benefits
• New care for another dependent
• Surprise medical costs
• Affected by a natural disaster
• Declaring financial independence

It's crucial to make your appeal as soon as possible after you realize the extent of the financial impact. You may even want to send your letter before you receive your FAFSA results. But be sure you fully understand your new situation so you don't have to modify your appeal later. There typically aren't hard deadlines for appeals—you can appeal before, at the start or in the middle of a term, but it's possible schools won't consider an appeal received after the term is over.

Appealing your financial aid based on extenuating circumstances doesn't guarantee a school will reconsider your award. You'll need to make a strong case backed with details and supporting documentation to show the severity of the financial effects you're facing.

Contact the school's financial aid office to find out their appeal process and requirements. Some schools may have specific requirements, forms or deadlines.

Find out who handles appeals in the financial aid office and address your letter to that person.

Determine how much additional aid you need to meet your educational expenses. Be prepared to provide specific numbers and supporting documentation.

Collect any documents that support your need for an appeal, such as:

• Documentation of job loss
• Medical bills or documentation of unexpected expenses
• Documentation of change of dependency status

• Use a professional and respectful tone
• Clearly state your reason for an appeal and provide specific details
• Explain how the change in circumstances has affected your ability to pay for college
• Connect your financial need to your academic goals and aspirations
• Attach supporting documentation

Submit your appeal letter and supporting documentation according to the school's instructions.

If you haven't heard back within two weeks, follow up with the financial aid office to ensure your appeal was received.

If your appeal is denied or you still need additional funding, continue to research additional options such as scholarships, personal savings or private loans. Keep in mind that private lenders often require co-signers.

It's best when financial aid appeal letters are short, clear and evidence-based. Let the facts of your situation and updated information take center stage to make it as simple and straightforward as possible for the evaluation committee.

Although you likely applied for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA to the federal government, you must send your appeal letter directly to individual schools. It's best to address your letter to a specific person in the financial aid office. Call or email the office first to find out who handles appeals and if they need anything specific in addition to your letter.

When writing, use a calm and polite tone. Make clear statements about the timeline of events and include details that illustrate your new financial situation. Attach necessary documentation to support your case, but limit it to only what's directly relevant.

This sample financial aid appeal letter may help you write yours:

After you submit your letter of appeal for financial aid, it may take days, weeks or months to get a response. Some school websites say you'll have a decision within 10 days, but for most, the aid appeal process ranges from two weeks to two months. It's reasonable to reach out if you haven't heard anything in two weeks to make sure your letter was received.

If you've received a more attractive financial aid offer from another school, you can use this as leverage in your appeal letter. This can be most effective if the other school is comparable in terms of academic reputation and program offerings.

When presenting the competing offer, focus on the financial benefits of attending the other school. For example, you might mention the specific amount of aid offered or the percentage of tuition covered. You also should highlight any unique benefits of scholarships or work study offered.

Independent students often have different circumstances than dependent students, which impacts financial aid offerings. If you're an independent student, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your appeal.

Here are some examples of situations that may warrant an appeal as an independent student:

• Supporting a family member
• Being a single parent
• Having significant medical expenses
• Experiencing a recent job loss or reduction in income

When documenting these circumstances, be specific and provide as much detail as possible. Include copies of relevant tax returns, pay stubs or medical bills as appropriate.

Using proper grammar and checking for mistakes are a must, but being error-free isn't your only concern. Financial aid offices often are inundated with FAFSA appeal letters, so yours needs to stand out, make your best case as succinctly as possible.

Here are some key things to check for before you send a letter asking for more college financial aid:

• Demonstrate genuine need. Clearly explain how your circumstances have changed and how this impacts your ability to afford college.
• Be respectful and professional. Maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout your letter, avoid accusatory language.
• Write concisely. Get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary details. This will improve the office's ability to read it and effectively help you.
• Gather strong supporting documentation. Include copies of layoff notices, medical bills or bank statements to support your claim.
• Follow the school's process. Research the school's process and follow their instructions carefully.
• Highlight your academic achievements. This demonstrates your commitment to education and reinforces why you deserve the financial aid.
• Connect your need to your goals. You might mention you're worried about having to reduce your load or drop out of school altogether due to lack of funding.
• Use persuasive language. Choose words that emphasize the severity of your need.
• End on a strong note. Conclude your letter by sharing your commitment to your education and express your gratitude for their consideration.
• Proofread carefully. A well-written letter makes a better impression.

Planning for college involves many decisions, from choosing the right school to developing a comprehensive financial payment strategy to cover tuition, fees and other expenses. It's often a collaborative effort between the student and their families. Here are some things to consider:

College is a major investment. Some careful planning can help you figure out how to obtain a degree even if you have to pay for college with no savings. Consider choosing an affordable institution, working during school breaks, strategically using student loans (with a payoff plan) and applying for scholarships to help offset costs.

Even if college tuition isn't an immediate expense for you, it's never too soon to start planning for college costs and saving strategically. Especially if you have a long time ahead, investing your savings so your money can grow before you need it can make a big difference.

Understanding the difference in costs between federal and private student loans can help you opt into better terms and make a good plan for paying down debt over time.

There are many ways to economize while having a great college experience, including ways to pay for college without grants when you and your family don't qualify for much financial aid.

Because 529 plans must be spent on qualified educational expenses, it's important to understand 529 plan withdrawal rules and follow them to avoid penalties.

As you get to know your options, you might wonder whether a Coverdell ESA is the right fit for you. There are requirements to follow, but it could bring benefits for your savings journey.

There are other ways to pay for college besides grants and loans. No-penalty withdrawals from accounts like Roth IRAs are one way to take advantage of your diligent savings and set up your child for success.