Why Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter?
Receiving a financial aid package that falls short of your needs can be disheartening, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your college dreams. A financial aid appeal letter offers you a chance to explain any special circumstances or changes in your family’s financial situation that weren’t reflected in your original application. This could include job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or other significant events that impact your ability to pay for college.
Crafting a Compelling Appeal Letter
A successful financial aid appeal letter is clear, concise, and professional. It should start by respectfully acknowledging the initial financial aid package and explaining why it’s insufficient. Provide specific details about your situation, including relevant documentation to support your claims. Be realistic about what you can afford and request a specific amount of additional aid, if possible. Express your strong desire to attend the institution and highlight your academic achievements and contributions to the community.
Remember to focus on the *change* in circumstances. Don’t just reiterate information already provided on the FAFSA. The appeal committee is looking for new information that justifies a re-evaluation of your aid eligibility.
21 Financial Aid Appeal Letter Samples
Sample 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 [Year] academic year. My family’s financial situation has changed significantly since submitting the FAFSA. My father, who was our primary source of income, lost his job on [Date] due to [Reason]. I have attached supporting documentation. I would be grateful if you would reconsider my financial aid eligibility.
Sample 2: 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. My mother recently had a medical emergency requiring expensive treatment. The medical bills have created a significant financial strain. I have attached copies of the bills as proof. I hope you will reconsider my aid eligibility in light of these circumstances.
Sample 3: Increased Cost of Living
[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. The cost of living in [City, State] has increased substantially. Housing and transportation expenses have become significantly more burdensome. If my financial aid package can be reconsidered, I would greatly appreciate it.
Sample 4: Parent Enrolling in College
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Financial Aid Office
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Financial Aid Committee,
I am appealing my financial aid package because my mother is returning to school. She will no longer have income from her previous job. This places a significant burden on my family’s finances. I’ve attached documentation to support this information. Any additional aid would be gratefully accepted.
Sample 5: Unexpected Family Emergency
[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 due to a sudden family emergency. My family has incurred expenses to attend to my brother, who suffered injuries in a car accident. These costs have significantly impacted our income. I ask you to consider an increase in financial aid in light of these new expenses. Thank you for your consideration.
Sample 6: Sibling Attending College
[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. My family now has two children in college. This additional financial burden means that college is only possible if I receive an adjusted financial aid award. Thank you for your attention.
Sample 7: Reduced Work Hours
[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. Due to a recent restructuring, my work hours have been reduced. This reduction in income has made paying tuition substantially more difficult. Please consider my appeal for more financial aid.
Sample 8: Divorce or Separation
[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. My parents have recently separated. As a result, my household is now a single-parent household, with a significant decrease in income. Please accept this appeal for reconsideration of aid.
Sample 9: 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. My family’s home was damaged by a recent natural disaster, leading to significant unexpected expenses. This has placed a great strain on our budget. I am requesting financial assistance to continue my studies without significant interruptions.
Sample 10: Change in Dependency Status (Rare)
[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. My dependency status has changed because [Explain the situation, e.g., I am now estranged from my parents]. This significantly impacts my ability to pay for college. Please reconsider my eligibility for financial aid based on my current situation.
Sample 11: Loss of Government Benefits
[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. My family has lost certain government benefits that were factored into our initial application. This change in circumstances makes it difficult to cover the cost of college. I am seeking additional support to make my education affordable.
Sample 12: Increased Childcare 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. Due to unforeseen circumstances, childcare costs have increased significantly. These costs place a substantial burden on my finances. I kindly request that my aid package be reconsidered to reflect these new expenses.
Sample 13: Change in Scholarship Availability
[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. One of the scholarships I was counting on to cover college costs is no longer available. The loss of this funding has created a significant gap in my financial plan. I am asking for your support to bridge this gap and ensure I can continue my studies.
Sample 14: Increased Property Taxes
[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. Our property taxes have recently increased significantly, impacting my family’s budget. I am requesting that my financial aid package be re-evaluated to reflect this increased cost.
Sample 15: Elderly Care 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. My family is facing new expenses to provide care for elderly relatives. These costs have strained our financial resources. I am asking for additional financial aid to help alleviate this burden and allow me to continue my education.
Sample 16: COVID-19 Related Job Loss or Reduced Hours
[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. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted my family’s financial situation. [Explain the situation, e.g., My parent lost their job due to business closures]. I am requesting additional support to cover the costs of tuition.
Sample 17: Uninsured Medical Bills
[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. Uninsured medical bills from a recent accident have put a strain on my family’s finances. The hospital has charged a significant amount for the medical services. I am requesting financial assistance to alleviate this burden.
Sample 18: Increased Transportation 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. Gas prices have increased substantially, impacting my transportation costs to and from school. I kindly request that my financial aid be re-evaluated. I am determined to continue my education here.
Sample 19: Unexpected Home Repairs
[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. A burst water pipe caused significant damage to our home, requiring unexpected and costly repairs. I am requesting an evaluation of my financial aid package to help pay tuition.
Sample 20: Decline in Investment Value
[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. The value of the savings my parents made for me has decreased due to recent stock market declines. I humbly request my financial aid eligibility be reconsidered. Thank you.
Sample 21: Inability to Work Due to Illness
[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. I am unable to work due to a recent illness. This has resulted in a loss of income that I previously relied upon to pay for college expenses. Thank you for your time.
Key Takeaways for a Successful Appeal
Writing a financial aid appeal letter can significantly improve your chances of receiving the financial assistance you need. Remember to be clear, concise, and provide supporting documentation for any changes in your financial situation. Maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout your letter. A compelling appeal can make a real difference in your ability to afford college.
