Before you submit your financial aid appeal, confirm you've included everything a financial aid counselor needs to review your case.
Header / Identifying Information
- [ ] Your full legal name
- [ ] Student ID number (if you have one)
- [ ] Intended enrollment term
- [ ] Contact email and phone number
Opening paragraph
- [ ] Clearly states you are requesting a professional judgment review / aid appeal
- [ ] Identifies the specific award year you're appealing
- [ ] States your enrollment intent (that you want to attend this school)
Reason for appeal — include the most applicable
- [ ] Changed financial circumstances (specify: job loss, medical, divorce, etc.)
- [ ] Special expenses not reflected on FAFSA (specify: medical, eldercare, etc.)
- [ ] Competing financial aid offer from a comparable institution
Supporting details
- [ ] Specific dollar amount of changed income or expense (approximate is okay)
- [ ] Time period the change occurred or is expected to last
- [ ] How the circumstance affects your family's ability to pay
Competing offer (if applicable)
- [ ] Name of the competing school
- [ ] Brief description of the offer (net cost, grant amount, or gap)
- [ ] Note that you prefer this school but the financial gap is a significant factor
Documentation attached
- [ ] Documentation of changed income (termination letter, pay stub, tax form)
- [ ] Medical or eldercare bills or estimates if applicable
- [ ] Actual award letter from competing school (not a summary — the actual document)
Closing
- [ ] Thanks for their consideration
- [ ] Contact information for follow-up
- [ ] Professional, respectful tone throughout
Keep your letter to 1–2 pages. Attach documentation separately. Clarity and specificity are more effective than length.
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