How to Appeal a College Financial Aid Offer—and Why Most Families Don’t
You don’t have to accept a college’s first financial aid offer—especially if it doesn’t reflect your family’s full situation. Appealing a financial aid award is not only possible—it’s often successful when done the right way. Yet many families never try, simply because they don’t realize it’s an option.
At Diversified College Planning, we help families understand when and how to appeal financial aid offers—and we’ve seen firsthand how effective this strategy can be in securing additional aid.
When You Should Consider Appealing
Colleges may reconsider aid offers in several situations:
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A recent job loss or reduction in income
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Large medical expenses not reflected in prior tax returns
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Changes in family size or status (e.g., divorce, death, caregiving responsibilities)
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Competing offers from similar institutions
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A stronger academic or extracurricular record than originally emphasized
The key is to clearly document your situation and present a respectful, well-organized request.
How the Appeal Process Works
Each college has its own protocol, but generally:
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Contact the financial aid office directly—many have appeal forms or guidelines online.
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Write a detailed, professional letter explaining the circumstances and attaching documentation.
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Include competing offers (if applicable), especially from schools with similar rankings or characteristics.
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Follow up respectfully and be patient—the process may take a couple of weeks.
The result? Often, schools can revise your aid package—sometimes by thousands of dollars.
Tips for a Successful Appeal
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Be specific, honest, and factual
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Avoid emotional appeals—stick to numbers and documentation
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Mention your student’s enthusiasm for attending the school
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Emphasize what’s changed since the original FAFSA or CSS Profile was submitted
We’ve helped families turn a $5,000 award into a $15,000 package—with just a simple appeal.
📞 Want help crafting a financial aid appeal that gets results?
Website: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
Phone: 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule with Jarad
