A financial aid appeal is the process by which a student and their family requests a review and improvement of a college's financial aid award. Approximately three-quarters of financial aid appeals result in additional aid, yet fewer than half of families attempt an appeal.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Review your financial aid award letter carefully. Understand each component:
- Grants and scholarships (free money — do not need to be repaid)
- Federal loans (must be repaid)
- Work-study (employment-based aid)
- Calculate your actual out-of-pocket cost: total cost of attendance minus total grants/scholarships
- Determine if you have grounds for an appeal. Valid reasons include:
- Change in income: Job loss, reduced hours, retirement, disability
- Medical expenses: Significant unreimbursed medical costs
- Family changes: Divorce, separation, death of a parent, new dependents
- Special circumstances: Multiple children in college, eldercare costs, natural disaster
Common Mistakes
- Not appealing at all
- Waiting too long
- Being vague
- Being demanding or aggressive
- Not providing documentation
Pro Tips
- Use the term "professional judgment review" or "special circumstances review."
- Present competing offers strategically
- Appeal to multiple schools
- Ask about departmental scholarships
- Consider appealing after enrollment too