How to Write an Appeal Letter for Financial Aid

If you’re struggling to pay for college, you may be able to appeal your financial aid award. An appeal letter is a formal request to the financial aid office to reconsider your award amount. While there is no guarantee that your appeal will be successful, it’s worth a try if you have a legitimate reason for needing more money.

Here are the steps on how to write an appeal letter for financial aid:

1. Start with a strong opening statement.

Your opening statement should grab the attention of the reader and make them want to learn more. You can start with a personal anecdote, a statistic, or a quote.

2. State your case.

In the body of your letter, you should explain why you’re appealing your financial aid award. Be specific and provide evidence to support your claims. For example, you could mention that you have experienced a recent financial hardship, that your family’s income has decreased, or that you have additional expenses that were not included in your original financial aid application.

3. Be clear about what you’re asking for.

Don’t be vague about what you’re asking for. State the specific amount of money that you need and how you plan to use it. For example, you could say that you need an additional $5,000 to cover the cost of tuition or that you need $2,000 to purchase a new laptop.

4. Be polite and professional.

Remember that the financial aid office is doing their best to help you. Be polite and professional in your letter, even if you’re frustrated with your award amount.

5. Proofread your letter carefully.

Before you submit your letter, proofread it carefully for any errors. Make sure that your grammar and spelling are correct, and that your letter is well-organized and easy to read.

Here are some additional tips for writing an appeal letter for financial aid:

• Keep your letter brief and to the point. The financial aid office is busy, so they don’t have time to read long, rambling letters.
• Use specific examples to support your claims. Don’t just say that you need more money. Provide specific examples of how your financial situation has changed since you submitted your original financial aid application.
• Be realistic about what you’re asking for. Don’t ask for more money than you need. The financial aid office is more likely to grant your appeal if you’re asking for a reasonable amount.

Here is a sample appeal letter for financial aid:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Financial Aid Office Name]
[College/University Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear Financial Aid Office,

I am writing to appeal my financial aid award for the [Academic Year]. I am a [Year] at [College/University Name], and I am majoring in [Major].

I was awarded a [Type of Aid] in the amount of [Amount]. I am grateful for this award, but I am writing to request an increase in the amount.

My family's financial situation has changed significantly since I submitted my original financial aid application. My father lost his job in [Month], and we have been struggling to make ends meet ever since. As a result, I am unable to contribute as much to my education as I had planned.

In addition to my father's job loss, we have also had to pay for a number of unexpected expenses, such as [List of Expenses]. These expenses have put a strain on our finances, and I am now unable to afford the full cost of my education.

I am a hard-working student, and I am committed to my education. I have a GPA of [GPA], and I am involved in several extracurricular activities. I am confident that I will succeed in college, and I am asking for your help to make that possible.

I am requesting an increase in my financial aid award in the amount of [Amount]. This amount would cover the cost of my tuition, fees, and living expenses. I am confident that I can repay this loan once I graduate and get a job.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Additional Resources:

• Financial Aid Appeal Letter Sample
• How to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter
• Tips for Writing a Successful Financial Aid Appeal Letter