Asking for more financial aid is legitimate, common, and often successful when done correctly. Here is the approach.
Who to Contact
Contact the financial aid office directly — by phone or professional email. Do not contact the admissions office for financial aid appeals; they are separate offices with different authority. Address your contact to the financial aid counselor assigned to your application or file, or to the financial aid director.
The Two Strongest Grounds
Competing offer from a comparable school: 'We have received an offer from [peer school] of $X in grants, compared to your offer of $Y. [School name] is our strong preference. Is there any flexibility in your package to bring the costs closer?' Attach the competing award letter. This approach is effective because it gives the school concrete information and a specific target. Changed circumstances: Job loss, divorce, significant medical expenses, or other major financial changes since FAFSA was filed. Provide documentation: termination letter, medical bills, court filings. The financial aid office can apply professional judgment to adjust your award based on current rather than prior-year finances.
Sample Language
'Thank you for the financial aid offer for [student name]. [School] is our first choice, and we are genuinely excited about the prospect of attending. The current package would require [specific amount] in additional borrowing that creates a meaningful hardship for our family. We have received an offer of [amount] from [comparable school]. Is there any flexibility to reconsider our package?' Keep it professional, specific, and non-emotional.