Financial aid awards can be appealed
Additional aid can be obtained before school starts.
By now, you’ve received your award letter, and thousands of families are unaware they can be challenged. I’m a 29 year veteran of financial aid trench warfare and have been extremely successful at enhancing what many perceive is a lost cause – an appeal.
Here are a few of my guidelines for an appeal letter:
• 2008 income and/or assets will be substantially less than 2007
• Death, divorce, job loss, or excessive health bills in 2008
• Pell Grant recipients could be entitled to an SEOG, (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant), max is $4,000; an Academic Competitiveness Grant, max is $750; and/or a SMART Grant, max is $4,000
• Federal Work-Study awards can be as much as $4,500
• Need-based aid can include a Perkins Loan up to $4,000
• Subsidized Stafford Loans have been awarded to families with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $125,000
• Students from the South attending northern schools have obtained winter clothing allowances for as much as $2,600
• Travel grants can be as much as $1,500 if attending cross country
The prescription for success entails having the student write a compelling letter to whomever sent the award. If the sender isn’t named, seek out the director and mail it to his/her attention. Never ask for money, always ask for help in making the school affordable. Under no circumstances call the school, as it’s far too easy for them to simply say, “We’re sorry, there is no additional aid available.
If a family doesn’t wish to go it alone, I am offering a free consultation to discuss your unappealing financial aid offer… Send an email to reecy@paylessforcollege.com or call 866.346.7890. Good Luck no matter what!