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If your aid package isn’t enough, you may have options. Learn when it’s worth appealing and what information to provide for the best results.
Most students assume that once they receive their financial aid package, the decision is final. But here’s the truth: your financial aid offer is not set in stone. If your family’s situation has changed, if something wasn’t reflected accurately on your FAFSA, or if your award doesn’t come close to meeting your actual need, you can appeal — and many students successfully receive more aid because of it.
Appealing your financial aid offer isn’t about complaining or arguing with the school. It’s about providing updated, accurate information that gives the financial aid office a clearer picture of your circumstances. Colleges know situations change. They expect appeals, and in many cases, they’re willing to revisit your offer if you make a strong case.
If you’re unsure whether an appeal makes sense for you, here’s everything you need to know.
An appeal is a formal request asking the college to reconsider the amount of financial aid they awarded you. This can be based on new information, changes in your family’s finances, or errors that need to be corrected.
Appealing does not hurt your relationship with the school. It simply allows them to reassess your situation using the most accurate details. In fact, many financial aid offices review appeals regularly, and they set aside funding for situations like yours.
You should strongly consider appealing if anything has changed or wasn’t fully captured when you initially filed for financial aid. Common reasons include:
If your parents lost a job, had their hours reduced, or faced a significant drop in income, the FAFSA (which uses prior-prior year income) won’t reflect that. An appeal helps colleges update your information to match your current reality.
Families may experience medical bills, major repairs, relocation costs, or emergencies that dramatically affect their ability to pay.
Some families face higher-than-average expenses related to health care, dependent care, disabilities, or elder care.
If your parents divorced or separated after filing the FAFSA, your financial information needs to be updated.
If your parents received a one-time bonus, cashed retirement savings, or sold property — and that income doesn’t reflect what they typically earn — an appeal can correct how it impacts your aid.
If another college offered you more generous aid, you may share that information during an appeal. While schools vary in how they respond, many are willing to review your award.
The most successful appeals are supported with clear, specific documentation. You may be asked to submit:
A strong appeal letter should be respectful, clear, and focused on facts — not emotion. You’re not asking for special treatment; you’re providing updated financial information that helps the school reassess your need accurately.
Financial aid offices appreciate when students communicate clearly and provide context that helps them make an informed decision.
Once your appeal is submitted, it may take anywhere from two to six weeks for the school to review it. During that time, they may:
Even if the aid office cannot increase your award, appealing is never a wasted effort. You’ll know you explored every option — and often, schools will at least offer next steps or ways to reduce costs.
And remember, circumstances can change. You may be eligible for a renewed appeal later in the year.
Navigating an appeal feels overwhelming — especially if you’re not sure what to include or how to phrase things. Inside our student portal, you’ll find tools and guidance to help you:
You can also join Office Hours with a College Funding Pro to get personalized guidance and support through the appeal process. With the right strategy, you can maximize your aid and reduce your cost of attendance significantly.
No. Appeals are normal and encouraged when financial circumstances change.
Yes — especially if your circumstances change mid-year.
Not always. Even moderate income shifts or unexpected expenses can justify an appeal.
Sometimes. Not always. But providing competitive offers is worth trying.
As soon as your situation changes — earlier appeals typically have better outcomes.
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