RSC - Blog-126

A student opens his financial aid package from his first choice college excited yet nervous to see what they’ve offered. His smile disappears. I won’t be going to that school, he thinks, unless they offer me more money.

Somehow, his first choice became his last choice, unless he can answer this question, “How can I get a college to give me more money?”

Appeal for More Financial Aid

First, understand that not every college considers it a negotiation. Some call it an appeal, because that’s essentially what you’re doing – appealing a decision from a college financial aid office about what you think you deserve or need. Know the terminology the college uses. Some are very open about it being a negotiation, but most prefer the term “appeal.” If you don’t know, err on the safe side and tell the college you are appealing for more aid.

Steps in appealing for more aid:

Determine if it’s a good financial aid offer. If the college has already made you a good offer, at least compared to what they typically provide, your appeal won’t go anywhere. Know if the college has made you a good offer.*

Build your case. Know why you need more aid and whether the college has the resources to provide it. Be honest and upfront with the school. Construct a compelling argument that demonstrates your need for more financial aid.

Write an appeals or special circumstances letter. There’s an art to writing an appeals letter. Gather the information from Steps 1 and 2 and write a straightforward letter that clearly outlines why you believe the college can do a better job meeting your financial needs.**

Wait. It may not be easy, but you’ll have to wait for the college’s response. Once you receive it, you’ll once again have to review it with two questions in mind: Is it enough financial aid for me and is this a good offer for the college? If not, go back to step number one.

Getting Help With Your Financial Aid Appeal

Keep in mind that you’re appealing to the judge and prosecutor, so you shouldn’t be surprised if they say no. After all, they awarded you what they thought was a good financial aid package the first time, and it’s up to you to show them the error of their ways. It’s a complicated process that requires knowledge of a particular college’s financial aid history and the ability to construct a convincing argument through the written word. It’s best to have help if you need it.

Of course, you don’t have to accept the judge’s decision if you have other options on the table. If you find you’re a better fit for another school, consider going there, even if it means abandoning your first choice. Better to graduate from a good school you can afford then to fail at your dream school with a debt you can never pay off.

But before you do that, work hard to get a better offer from your first choice. Maybe their second offer will be the one that makes you smile!

*RSC students can review a list of typical financial aid offers from more than 4,000 colleges.

**You can polish your Appeals or Special Circumstance Letters through our What You Need to Know About Financial Aid Handbook. Our appeals generate more than $1 million additional dollars in combined aid for our students everyyear.

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