1. ACT as Soon as Possible

By the time admission letters go out, most colleges have distributed most of their financial aid, especially grants and scholarships. So, timing is crucial. If you think you have a good case to present, contact the college’s financial aid office as soon as you get your aid offer.

2. But first, prepare your case

You can’t simply ask the college for more money, you need to present valid reasons why you need more aid and provide proof that you or your family’s financial circumstances have changed since you submitted your financial aid application.

Financial aid offices are likely to consider any of the following circumstances in a financial aid appeal:

• Disability or serious illness
• Divorce, separation, or remarriage
• Birth of a sibling
• Care for an elderly parent
• Unemployment or reduced income
• Moved or sold home
• College or private school tuition obligations for one or more siblings
• Increase in childcare expenses
• Increase in the number of dependents in your household

3. Find out the college's appeals process

To report changes in your or your family’s financial circumstances and/or provide information not included in your financial aid application, you must submit an appeal directly to the college. Call the financial aid or admissions office or visit its website to find out about its procedure for submitting an appeal.

4. Decide who will reach out

While financial aid officers may be impressed with a student who takes the initiative to reach out to the college and make the “ask,” a parent is in many instances better prepared to discuss the family's financial situation.

5. review your cost of attendance and understand exactly what you need

The standard cost of attendance (COA) used in your aid calculation may not take into account costs that apply to your situation. For example, you could have higher transportation expenses if your or your family’s home is farther from the college than other students. Or, you could have higher costs for course materials and equipment required for your major, or additional costs to accommodate a disability. The financial aid office has the authority to increase your COA which, in turn, increases your financial need. If the college has aid available, it might increase your aid package.

6. Prepare a Financial Aid Appeal Letter

You may have to submit a financial aid appeal letter or appeal form. In your letter or form, you need to explain how your or your family’s circumstances have changed since you submitted your financial aid application and include documents supporting your claim, such as medical bills or layoff notices.

Clearly state the amount of financial aid that would make the school affordable for you. Be clear about what you are seeking additional aid for, such as expenses related to travel between your family home and the college, housing, health insurance and/or school supplies.

7. Provide Documentation

Your financial aid appeal letter or appeal form should include documentation supporting your request for additional aid, such as medical bills, layoff notices and/or financial records that show a reduction in income.

8. Know How Attractive You Are to the College

If you believe you are a desirable student, and the college provides merit-based financial aid, explore the possibility of getting or increasing merit aid. Merit-based aid may be handled by the admissions office, so you may want to contact that office first. Also, if you have any relationship to or connection with a professor, coach, or other college personnel, you may want to reach out to them to see if they are willing to put in a good word for you.

9. Wait Until You Have Other Offers in Hand

While you should contact the college as soon as possible to appeal financial aid, you may have more leverage with the college’s financial aid office if at least one other college has accepted you and offered you a better financial aid package. If another college has offered a more attractive package, you can mention this; however, some colleges will not negotiate based on a better aid offer alone.

10. Express Your Sincere Interest in Attending

In your financial aid appeal letter or appeal form and in any conversations you have with financial aid or admissions personnel, be clear about your desire to attend the school. Explain why it is a top choice or a good fit and that the only thing holding you back is cost.

11. Say Please and Thank You

When appealing to a college for more financial aid, it’s important to show gratitude for your acceptance and for any aid you’ve already received. Approach the parties holding the purse strings in a clear and respectful manner and be sure to thank them for considering your appeal.

Remember, appealing for more financial aid isn’t about making demands, it’s about communicating your genuine need and showing the college you’re serious about making this opportunity work. By presenting your case thoughtfully and politely, you will give yourself the best chance of success.