Appealing a financial aid decision can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step for many students and families. Life circumstances change, and sometimes the initial financial aid package doesn’t accurately reflect your current ability to pay. A well-written appeal letter can significantly increase your chances of receiving additional aid, including grants, scholarships, and lower-interest loans. Your letter must be clear, concise, and provide compelling evidence to support your request.
These sample letters serve as templates and inspiration to get you started. Remember to personalize each letter with your specific situation and supporting documentation. Common reasons for appeal include job loss, unexpected medical expenses, changes in family size, or errors in the initial financial aid application. Always be polite and respectful, even when explaining challenging circumstances. Focus on demonstrating your commitment to education and the financial need that warrants reconsideration.
Sample Financial Aid Appeal Letters
Here are 12 sample letters addressing various situations. Remember to replace the bracketed information with your own details.
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Letter 1: Job Loss
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My family’s financial situation has changed significantly due to my [Parent’s Name]’s job loss on [Date]. [Parent’s Name] was employed as a [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have attached documentation of [Parent’s Name]’s termination. This loss of income has created a significant financial hardship for my family, making it difficult to afford the cost of attendance at [University Name]. I am a dedicated student with a [GPA] GPA. I respectfully request that you reconsider my financial aid package in light of these changed circumstances. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 2: Unexpected Medical Expenses
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My family has recently incurred significant unexpected medical expenses due to [Illness/Accident] of [Family Member’s Name]. These expenses, totaling approximately [Dollar Amount], have placed a considerable strain on our finances. I have attached copies of medical bills and insurance statements to support this appeal. I am committed to continuing my education at [University Name] and believe that an adjusted financial aid package would make this possible. Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 3: Change in Family Size
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. There has been a change in my family size since the initial financial aid application was submitted. Specifically, [Explanation of change, e.g., my parents have become legal guardians of my younger sibling, [Sibling’s Name]]. This change has increased our household expenses and reduced our available income. I have attached documentation to verify this change. I am requesting a re-evaluation of my financial aid package to reflect our current family situation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 4: Correction of FAFSA Error
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. I recently discovered an error on my FAFSA application. The [Incorrect Information] was incorrectly reported as [Incorrect Value] when it should have been [Correct Value]. I have already submitted a corrected FAFSA. This error significantly impacts my eligibility for financial aid. I believe a review based on the corrected information will result in a more accurate and favorable aid package.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 5: One-Time Income Spike
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. While our income for the reporting year may appear higher than usual, this was due to a one-time [Explain reason for income spike, e.g., bonus, inheritance, sale of property]. This income is not representative of our typical financial situation, and we do not anticipate receiving similar income in the future. I have attached documentation to support this. I am hopeful that you will consider our typical income when re-evaluating my aid package.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 6: Support for Dependent Grandparent
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My family provides significant financial support to my [Grandparent’s Name], who is dependent on us due to [Reason for dependency, e.g., age, illness]. [Grandparent’s Name]’s medical and living expenses are substantial and significantly impact our ability to pay for college. I have attached documentation to verify this support. I kindly request that you take this into consideration when reviewing my financial aid eligibility.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 7: High Unreimbursed Business Expenses
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My [Parent’s Name]’s self-employment requires significant unreimbursed business expenses that are not adequately reflected in our reported income. These expenses include [List of expenses, e.g., travel, equipment, supplies]. I have attached documentation to support these expenses. Factoring in these expenses provides a more accurate picture of our family’s available income for college.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 8: Divorce or Separation of Parents
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My parents have recently [divorced/separated]. This has significantly impacted our financial situation. The FAFSA information may not accurately reflect our current financial circumstances due to this recent change. I am now primarily supported by [Parent’s Name], whose income is [lower than the combined income previously reported]. I have attached legal documentation as proof of the separation. I would appreciate it if you would re-evaluate my financial aid eligibility considering my updated family situation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 9: Disability of Student or Family Member
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. [I/My family] [has/have] recently experienced significant medical expenses related to a disability. [I/My family member] [was diagnosed with [Disability] / experienced [Accident]] [on/in] [Date]. These expenses, not covered by insurance, place a heavy financial burden on [me/my family]. The additional costs associated with managing this condition have significantly reduced our ability to contribute towards my education. I have attached documentation from [Doctor/Specialist] verifying this condition and related expenses.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 10: Private Elementary/Secondary School Tuition for Siblings
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My family incurs significant costs related to private elementary/secondary school tuition for my [sibling/siblings]. [He/She/They] attend [School Name], and our annual tuition expense is [Amount]. While we believe in the value of their education, these costs significantly reduce the funds available for my college expenses. I have attached copies of tuition bills as supporting documentation. I hope you will consider these ongoing expenses when re-evaluating my financial aid package.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 11: Unusual Dependent Care Costs
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. Due to [unusual circumstances – explain why your dependent care costs are higher than average, e.g., both parents work long hours, specialized care needed due to child’s disability, etc.], we incur significantly higher than average dependent care costs. The annual cost of childcare is [Amount]. This has a substantial impact on our budget. I am attaching supporting documents [provide invoices or contracts for childcare]. I respectfully request you consider these costs when reviewing my financial aid.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Letter 12: Natural Disaster
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am writing to appeal my financial aid package for the [Academic Year]. My family has been significantly impacted by a recent natural disaster [specify the disaster, e.g., hurricane, flood, earthquake]. We have incurred considerable costs for [damage repairs, temporary housing, and lost belongings]. I am attaching documentation of the disaster [provide police reports, insurance claims, FEMA documents]. I am seeking a reevaluation of my financial aid package.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
A well-crafted financial aid appeal letter can make a significant difference in your ability to afford higher education. Remember to personalize these sample letters with your specific circumstances, provide supporting documentation, and maintain a polite and respectful tone. Be persistent and follow up with the financial aid office if you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe. Your commitment to your education, combined with a clear explanation of your financial need, can lead to a more favorable outcome.
