If you’ve determined that you have good cause to appeal your financial aid award, and as a result, have made the decision to appeal, it’s important to write a convincing financial aid appeal letter.
Reading about how others have successfully navigated the appeals process can be invaluable. In addition, having a basic guideline in what a convincing letter could look like will also prove to be helpful. Here are two sample financial aid appeal letters to use as frameworks for how to approach writing a letter that is personal to your situation…
Sample Financial Aid Appeal Letter #1
Dear Mr. XXX,
I would like to thank (name of school) for admission into the Biology Program and the Merit Scholarship of $(amount). (Name of school) is my number one choice for my undergraduate degree. While I am thankful and appreciate the offer, it still leaves a substantial financial gap. I would like to formally request a review of my information on file and be considered for any additional funding that is available.
Currently, I have acceptances of admission and financial offers from (name of school), (name of school), and (name of school). These are my next three choices and they bring my net balance to less than half of my EFC.
My financial aid application, which shows that I am able to pay a substantial amount of money, does not provide an accurate picture of my financial reality. My family has a significant amount of medical bills, as well as past debt due to a job loss from years ago. In addition, there is a current job loss from which we are still recovering. The assistance that is being offered is helpful, but I would need additional assistance in order to attend (name of school).
I will be on campus on (month/day) attending the Accepted Students Day and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with someone from your office. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Sincerely,
(Name)
(Email)
(Cell)
The above financial aid appeal letter works because the student does the following:
- Acknowledges and thanks the school for admittance.
- Provides examples of other schools where they have acceptances and how those offers bring their family’s net cost to less than the school’s original offer.
- Provides evidence as to why the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form does not accurately portray the amount their family can afford to pay for college.
- Requests an appointment with the financial aid office to discuss the issue in person (or it could be over the phone).
Sample Financial Aid Appeal Letter #2
To the Reconsideration Committee:
Thank you very much for accepting me to (name of college). I was thrilled to get my acceptance letter a few weeks ago. I am reaching out with the hope that I might be considered for additional financial support. (name of school) is absolutely my first choice school, and I am trying my best to make it more affordable for me and my parents. If I do not receive additional financial support I will be unable to attend (name of school). With that being said, I have a few recent details about myself to share that were not on my application that I hope will influence your decision to extend to me further financial support.
One significant event that speaks to my character and potential is that in January I received from the Boy Scouts of America the “XXXXX award” (attached). The award was given for service “above and beyond.” Receiving this award was a complete surprise! I appreciate it because during my three years working there I have helped countless scouts achieve their first few scout ranks and complete multiple merit badges. Over the years my directors have increasingly sought my perspective on the value of newer staff members and asked my opinion on new program ideas.
A second factor that I hope you will consider is that since December I have been working 16-20 hours per week at a local restaurant. While putting in these hours I have maintained my grade point average and continued my involvement in my high school’s musical and theatre programs. I am saving half of my earnings to contribute to college tuition. Last week, my manager sat me down for my three-month review, and I was proud to see that he had given me top marks in every area. I was even given a raise.
One final point related to my ability to meet the financial cost of attending (name of school) has to do with my parents’ savings. They did put some money away, but in 2013 I was diagnosed with XXX disease. The medical testing and treatment for this chronic condition have cost them an average of $7,500 out of pocket per year over the past five years. These are funds which they would otherwise have set aside for college. (I will provide documentation of medical expenses if requested.)
Finally, I attach two substantial merit awards that I received from other private institutions. These range from $22,000-$26,000 per year. It would mean so much to me if these awards could be matched here, because as I have said before, (name of school) is my top choice and I would be honored to attend this fall.
Thank you so much for your time,
(Name)
(Phone)
(Email)
_______
Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
Other Articles You Might Like:
The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Financial Aid
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Sucessful Financial Aid Appeal Letter (with Free Templates)
Five Criteria That Can Affect Your Financial Aid Appeal
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