Overview
If your financial aid package is insufficient, you can file an appeal. Most schools welcome reasonable appeals with documentation. The goal: more gift aid, less loan burden.
When to Appeal
You should appeal if:
- You have a competing peer-school offer with better aid
- Your family circumstances changed since FAFSA filing (job loss, medical expense, divorce)
- There's an error in the aid calculation
- Non-custodial parent refused or cannot provide info
- Special financial circumstances not reflected in FAFSA
When NOT to Appeal
- You just want more money
- Your expected contribution is unchanged
- You have no documentation
- You want to compare to a school that's not peer level
What "Peer School" Means
Generally, schools consider appeals using offers from peer schools:
- Similar tier (e.g., Ivy to Ivy, top LAC to top LAC)
- Similar admit rate or academic caliber
- Similar geography (sometimes)
Less persuasive:
- "State school is cheaper" (not a peer)
- "This school is my dream" (emotional, not evidence)
Documentation to Prepare
For Competing Offer Appeal
- The competing offer letter (copy, no need for original)
- Side-by-side comparison of packages
- Clear request ("I'd like to close the gap of $X")
For Changed Circumstances
- Recent tax return vs. prior year
- Proof of job loss (termination letter)
- Medical bills or documentation
- Divorce decree if applicable
- Death certificate if a parent has passed
For Error Correction
- Evidence of the error
- What the correct data should show
For Non-Custodial Parent Issues
- Documentation of estrangement or limited contact
- Attempts to obtain information
- Court order if relevant
How to File
1. Find the Process
- School's financial aid website
- Contact the financial aid office directly
- Ask specifically: "What's your process for appeal?"
2. Prepare Your Letter
- Respectful, factual tone
- Clear request with specific dollar amount
- Include documentation
- Student writes (parent can review); student signs
- Student portal upload or emailed PDF
3. Timing
- File within 7-14 days of receiving package
- Before May 1 ideally
- Follow up weekly after 10 business days
Sample Letter (Competing Offer)
Dear Financial Aid Office,
Thank you for admitting me to [School] and for the financial aid offer of [amount]. I am writing to request reconsideration of my package.
I was also admitted to [Peer School] with a financial aid offer of [amount higher]. [Peer school] is my top choice among these admissions, but the aid gap makes it challenging. I am specifically asking if [School] could match or come closer to [Peer School]'s package.
[If applicable: personal or family circumstances supporting the appeal]
I'm enclosing a copy of the [Peer School] offer for your consideration. If your review can close the gap, [School] would become my first choice. I appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Application ID]
Sample Letter (Changed Circumstances)
Dear Financial Aid Office,
Thank you for admitting me to [School] and for the aid offer of [amount]. I am writing to request a reconsideration of the package due to changed family circumstances.
Since I filed my FAFSA, [my parent has been laid off / we have incurred significant medical expenses / my sibling has begun college]. The family income has decreased from [amount] to [amount], or we now have additional expenses totaling [amount] per year.
Attached: [documentation]. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Application ID]
After Submission
- Confirm receipt
- Wait 2-4 weeks for review
- Follow up once after 10 business days
- Be patient; aid offices are overwhelmed
Potential Outcomes
- Increased gift aid: Best outcome
- Reduced loans: Common
- Added work-study: Common
- No change: Also common
- Reduction: Very rare, but possible if circumstances improved
Don't Combine Multiple Appeals
- Submit competing-offer OR changed-circumstances appeal, not both
- Let the initial appeal conclude before appealing again
- Multiple appeals can appear desperate
Parents' Role
- Help gather documentation
- Review letter for professionalism
- Do not write or sign on the student's behalf
- Provide emotional support if appeal is denied
If Appeal Is Denied
- Thank the financial aid office
- Reassess affordability
- Consider other admitted schools
- Community college + transfer path is always available
- Gap year to save funds