February 9th 2024.
It's that time of year again when students eagerly await college admissions decisions and financial aid packages. Whether you're a first-time college student or a returning one, financial aid is likely at the forefront of your mind when it comes to enrolling. But what can you do if your financial aid award doesn't quite match your current circumstances? Well, you may not know this, but you have the option to appeal for more financial aid. And we're here to help you navigate that process with these four tips.
So why should you even bother with a financial aid appeal? Well, it may seem like an extra step, but it's worth it to ask for what you need to be successful in school. If your financial situation has changed since you first applied for aid, the school won't know unless you speak up. And did you know that by federal law, you have the right to request a change to your financial aid package through a "professional judgment" or "special circumstances" appeal? This means you can ask for more aid if you have experienced job loss, the loss of a loved one, medical expenses, or childcare costs, among other reasons.
But where do you even begin when it comes to asking for more financial aid? Well, the good news is that the option to appeal is available to students at all types of colleges that offer federal financial aid. However, keep in mind that the financial aid office may take some time to review your request, so it's best to ask about the appeal process as soon as possible. Once you have decided on a school, your first step should be to check their website for a "Special Circumstances" or "Professional Judgment" form to start the appeals process. If there is no form available, you can use a free tool called SwiftStudent, which offers downloadable templates for students to request adjustments to their financial aid award. These templates can be completed in just a few minutes and will generate an appeal letter for you to submit to your school. The form also guides you through what supporting documents you may need to include with your appeal.
Speaking of supporting documents, be prepared to submit them along with your appeal. These can include bills, letters from caregivers, medical or service provider costs, court documents, termination letters, unemployment benefits, final pay stubs, or expenses related to a natural disaster. Keep in mind that each school may have different requirements, so it's best to check with your financial aid office. And remember to not send original documents, as they will need to be retained for their records.
Now, what happens after you submit your financial aid appeal? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your financial aid office may request additional documents or information before making a decision. It's crucial to check your school email regularly to not miss any communication from the financial aid office. You can also reach out to them directly to check on the status of your request. To help you keep track of your communication with the financial aid office, SwiftStudent has a worksheet available for you to use.
And finally, the most important part – the appeal decision. While there is no guarantee that your school will adjust your financial package, federal law does allow financial aid officers to use "professional judgment" to update the information used to calculate your aid offer. If your request is approved, the financial aid office will inform you of the additional aid you can expect to receive. However, if you are offered a loan, make sure to carefully consider the type of loan and how it will help you reach your educational goals. And if your request is denied, don't lose hope. You can always ask the financial aid office for an explanation and inquire about other community or institutional resources that may be available to you.
In conclusion, congratulations on getting accepted to college! We hope these tips will help you navigate the financial aid appeal process and secure all the aid you are eligible for. Remember, it's your right to ask for more aid if your situation has changed, so don't be afraid to speak up. And as always, make sure to do your research and stay on top of communication with your school's financial aid office. Good luck!
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