« Return to Fitne$$ Center
Financial Aid Appeals
Published on 8/31/2020
As you’ve heard time and again, college is expensive. Many students look to financial aid to bankroll their scholastic endeavors. Assuming you’ve already been granted your financial aid, it may be possible to qualify for additional funds if you’ve been impacted by COVID-19. Below you will find information about the appeals process, including when to file, how to appeal your financial aid, and what alternatives are available should your appeal be denied.
In general, as your financial situation changes, so too will your financial need. If there is a change, make sure you file an appeal. Changes can be anything – a divorce, natural disaster, a death in the family, etc. It’s also possible to file if there is a similar school offering classes for less money. It is said that colleges will fight over students. After all, if a student doesn’t attend, the school doesn’t make money.
Once you’ve confirmed you should make your appeal, head over to your school’s financial aid office. They will be able to provide you with the paperwork you need to get your appeal underway. If your institution asks for an appeal letter, make sure to cover the details of your decreased income and how it has affected your ability to pay for school. Mark Kantrowitz of SavingforCollege.com suggests putting this in a bulleted format. You’ll also need proof of your financial change. This can be a "pink slip", unemployment benefits information, etc. Follow up on all information sent into your school to make sure everything was received by the right department.
If your appeal doesn’t work, you can always look for additional scholarships. Private student loans are also a possibility.
COVID-19 is difficult, but even with a cut in income, you can still afford the education you want.
In general, as your financial situation changes, so too will your financial need. If there is a change, make sure you file an appeal. Changes can be anything – a divorce, natural disaster, a death in the family, etc. It’s also possible to file if there is a similar school offering classes for less money. It is said that colleges will fight over students. After all, if a student doesn’t attend, the school doesn’t make money.
Once you’ve confirmed you should make your appeal, head over to your school’s financial aid office. They will be able to provide you with the paperwork you need to get your appeal underway. If your institution asks for an appeal letter, make sure to cover the details of your decreased income and how it has affected your ability to pay for school. Mark Kantrowitz of SavingforCollege.com suggests putting this in a bulleted format. You’ll also need proof of your financial change. This can be a "pink slip", unemployment benefits information, etc. Follow up on all information sent into your school to make sure everything was received by the right department.
If your appeal doesn’t work, you can always look for additional scholarships. Private student loans are also a possibility.
COVID-19 is difficult, but even with a cut in income, you can still afford the education you want.