Financial aid award letters are arriving, and many families quickly realize that some schools simply don’t offer enough aid to make attendance financially realistic.
This can be frustrating—especially when the school offering the least amount of aid is the one your student most wants to attend.
The good news is that financial aid awards are not always final. Colleges understand that family circumstances can change, and many schools allow families to appeal their financial aid award.
Common situations that justify an appeal include:
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- A recent loss of income or employment
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- Illness or medical expenses
- Illness or medical expenses
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- A change in marital status
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- Significant differences in financial aid offers between colleges
After more than 15 years working in college financial aid, I’ve helped many families successfully navigate this process. Below is a practical guide based on the strategies that work best.
First, it’s important to understand that there are two types of appeals:
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- Need-based financial aid appeals (handled by the financial aid office)
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- Merit scholarship appeals (handled by the admissions office)
Each requires a different approach.
Need-Based Financial Aid Appeals
Need-based financial aid appeals are handled through the college’s financial aid office.
If you believe your financial aid award does not reflect your current financial situation, contact the financial aid office by phone or email and request information about their appeal process.
Financial aid calculations typically rely on prior-prior year income reported on FAFSA or CSS Profile. As a result, many families experience financial changes that are not reflected in the application.
When this happens, families can request what is called Professional Judgment.
Professional Judgment allows the financial aid office to reassess your eligibility using updated financial information.
Some schools assign a specific financial aid officer to your student’s account, while others simply have staff members respond to inquiries. Either way, you will usually be asked to complete a financial aid appeal form specific to that college.
Common Reasons for a Financial Aid Appeal
Every school has its own policies, but many colleges consider appeals based on the following circumstances:
Changes in Income or Employment
- Job loss
- Reduction in hours
- Career change
Changes in Family Circumstances
- Divorce or separation
- Death of a spouse
Significant Medical Expenses
- Major illness
- High out-of-pocket healthcare costs
Family Financial Obligations
- Elder care expenses
- Multiple children enrolled in college simultaneously
Extraordinary Events
- Natural disasters
- Unexpected financial hardship
Tax Return Irregularities
Some tax returns include one-time financial events that distort a family’s true income level, such as:
- Retirement account withdrawals
- Capital gains
- Severance packages
Better Financial Aid Offers from Other Colleges
If multiple schools offer a significantly lower net cost, some colleges may reconsider your award.
Not every college considers all of these reasons valid, which is why it’s important to review each school’s appeal policy carefully. Continued…
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