Financial Aid Appeal
Your aid offer is a starting point
Families who appeal their financial aid award receive on average $2,000–$5,000 more per year. Most never try because they don't know it's allowed.
Educational guide only. This guide explains how the appeals process works. It is educational only, not financial advice. Always contact the financial aid office directly and consult a qualified advisor for your specific situation.
When you can appeal
Appeal is appropriate when:
- Your financial situation has changed since filing FAFSA (job loss, medical bills, divorce, death in family)
- You received a significantly better offer from a comparable school
- Your Net Price Calculator estimate was materially different from your actual offer (more than $3,000)
- There was an error or unusual circumstance not captured on FAFSA
Do NOT appeal just because you want more money with no new information — it rarely works and can seem entitled.
The 3-part appeal letter
State facts, not emotions
Wrong: “We really can't afford this amount”
Right: “Since filing our FAFSA, my father was laid off on [date]. Our household income has decreased by approximately $[amount].”
Cite your specific reason
- Changed circumstance: attach documentation
- Competing offer: name the school and amount
- NPC discrepancy: reference your screenshot
Ask for a specific number
Don't say: “Any help would be appreciated”
Say: “We are requesting the college review our package with the goal of bringing our out-of-pocket cost to approximately $[X] per year.”
Common mistakes that kill appeals
- ×Emotional language ("my dream school")
- ×Vague requests ("anything helps")
- ×No documentation attached
- ×Waiting more than 2 weeks after receiving the offer
- ×Contacting admissions instead of financial aid office
Generate your appeal letter
Tell us your situation and we'll draft an appeal letter you can edit and send.
Before you appeal: screenshot your Net Price Calculator result and save it. Schools use NPC estimates as a baseline — having proof of the discrepancy strengthens your case significantly.