Can You Appeal Your Financial Aid Award?

Writing a financial aid appeal letter starts by determining whether individual circumstances merit it. Make a list of the events affecting the need for financial aid. Some learners discover that remedying their financial situation does not require an appeal. For example, they may begin working part time or apply for additional scholarships.

College and university financial aid advisors provide students with information regarding financial aid appeals, such as eligibility requirements and the appeals process. Degree-seekers should write down their questions and concerns before meeting with an advisor. This ensures they leave knowing how to proceed with an appeal.

Learners may need to submit more than a financial aid appeal letter to increase their aid amount. Typical requirements include tax forms, a letter from an employer, a W-2, or other documentation. Additional information beyond what a school requires may bolster a student’s case. Make copies of all documents before providing them to the financial aid department.

A persuasive financial aid appeal letter addresses a specific person, such as the financial aid department’s dean. The letter should also clearly state the need for more aid, the amount required, and an explanation of circumstances. If necessary, ask about next steps. Do not forget to convey gratitude to readers for considering the appeal.

No matter how persuasive a financial aid appeal letter, learners must submit it promptly. Students should also consider whether the financial aid office accepts letters by email, mail, or in person. Following the rules and meeting deadlines demonstrates professionalism and may influence the school’s final decision.

Learners who classify as dependents provide their parents’ financial information when completing the FAFSA. However, if degree-seekers become emancipated or reach their 24th birthday, their status changes. Other life changes affecting dependency include marrying, enrolling in a graduate program, and having children. Any one of these events makes degree-seekers independent.

Household size affects FAFSA results considerably. Emancipated or independent degree-seekers calculate student household size by including themselves, their spouse, and any children or dependents. However, dependent learners provide information regarding their parents and siblings. For both groups, a change in household size may decrease EFC and increase a financial aid offer.

In addition to household size, students must provide information on how many people in their parents’ household attend college. Students update their FAFSA when a sibling or another person besides a parent enrolls full time or part time. Learners should note that this question considers residency only, meaning the other person need not possess a familial relationship with the student.

Degree-seekers can update the FAFSA by resubmitting the form. The process involves answering the same questions and providing new documentation, if necessary. The FAFSA offers step-by-step guides. After updating the FAFSA, degree-seekers should contact their school’s financial aid department to learn about next steps and whether their aid offer changes.

Learners in need can turn to banks and other financial institutions to secure student loans. Unlike federal loans, private loans use a higher interest rate and may incur interest before borrowers graduate. Benefits include not paying back loans before graduation and various lenders from which to choose.

Numerous corporations and organizations award scholarships to eligible students. Typical application requirements include a GPA cutoff, recommendation letters, and an essay. Recipients do not pay back scholarships as long as they remain in good academic standing. Students can browse multiple scholarship websites and narrow their search by major, GPA requirement, and deadline.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement plans to employees wanting to advance their education. A typical plan involves the employer paying for each course the employee passes. For receiving funding, the employee agrees to remain with the company for a specific number of years after graduation. Degree-seekers can speak with a work supervisor to determine eligibility.

A part-time job may not cover all tuition expenses but prevents many learners in need from dropping out of school. Opportunities include a temp job through an employment agency or freelance work for one or more companies. The latter provides the flexibility many degree-seekers need to maintain their grades and graduate on time.

Internship programs allow companies to train the next generation of professionals and offer talented college students a full-time job opportunity. A paid internship features these benefits and helps learners pay for school. Students can explore paid internship opportunities on their school’s career center website or research other online job boards.