Tips on Writing Financial Aid Appeal Letters
Financial aid can range from grants and scholarships to loans and work-study programs. To receive a full or partial scholarship, you must demonstrate financial need. Grant programs are also based on financial need, and are awarded at the federal, state and local levels. When appealing a financial award that does not cover the cost of your education, comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the financial aid office.
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Where to Address and Send Your Letter
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Before writing a financial aid appeal letter, contact the financial aid office and find out whether you should address the letter to a particular committee or individual. Reconfirm the address to avoid delays in the processing of your letter. Some financial aid offices will not consider appeal letters that arrive after the required deadline regardless of the reason. If you wish to visit the office, make an appointment.
Adjustments
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Once you know why your situation is not covered by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can find out by reading your award letter or contacting the financial aid office, make the necessary adjustments. For example, recalculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your FAFSA or change your dependency or homelessness status. Only adjust components that have changed since you filed.
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Letter Format
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A financial aid appeal letter should be no more than a single page. Make it personal; your objective is to show that you have an unmet financial need and require additional funding. Avoid "hardball" negotiating strategies and harsh language, which is counterproductive to the appeals process and will rarely help you to achieve additional financial aid.
Supporting Documentation
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Supporting documentation assists you in proving the facts of your claims and should be included with your appeal letter unless instructed otherwise by the financial aid office. Documentation must be official and may include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates, eviction notices, judgments and liens. Financial documents must prove your financial need and may include paycheck stubs, bills, receipts, canceled checks, tax documents and bank statements.
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