How to Ask for More Financial Aid (Even Mid-Semester)

Without financial aid, most students couldn’t afford tuition, books, and everyday living expenses while going to school full-time. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) makes it easy to apply for assistance from any school you might attend. But what if your financial situation changes after applying for assistance, and you need more than is offered? 

Below, we’ll walk you through how to ask for more financial aid, even if the semester’s already started.

Table of Contents

1. What qualifies as a valid reason to request more financial aid?
2. Can you request more financial aid during the semester?
3. How to request more financial aid in 5 steps
4. What to do if your financial aid appeal is denied
5. FAQ

What qualifies as a valid reason to request more financial aid?

The best time to fill out your FAFSA is when it opens for the next school year. That usually means you’re filling out the form an entire year before you’ll need the aid—and plenty can change in that year.

The Department of Education acknowledges that such special circumstances can happen between filling out the FAFSA and actually attending school. When that happens, contact your school’s financial aid office to request an aid adjustment.

But what qualifies as a reason to request more aid? Here’s a look at common special circumstances for asking for more financial assistance:

• Job loss (for you or a parent, guardian, or spouse)
• Reduction in work hours (for you or a parent, guardian, or spouse)
• Incarceration of a parent, guardian, or spouse
• Divorce or separation between your parents or guardians
• Serious illness or disability in the family, resulting in an income reduction or increased medical expenses
• Death in the family
• Significant business and real estate losses

You might also make a merit-based appeal for more aid. If your grades have improved since you filled out your FAFSA, you’ve earned an academic award, or other schools have offered you more, you might have a case to make.

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Tip

If your financial aid award is much less than expected, review your FAFSA for errors, missing documentation, or clerical mistakes. You may need to submit a FAFSA correction if that’s the case.

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The biggest mistake I’ve seen people make is simply missing the filing deadline. People either wait too long or think they won’t receive benefits and don’t bother submitting the application. If you have a chance at getting aid for college, give it a shot!

Another common mistake I have witnessed is the inclusion of retirement accounts as assets. IRAs and 401(k)s  do not need to be listed as assets. Sometimes people inflate their income and receive less aid because of it (e.g., expecting a larger bonus or raise than actually received).

Also, don’t leave fields blank if the answer should be zero!

Can you request more financial aid during the semester?

You can request more financial aid at any point, should your financial circumstances change—and that includes during the school year. Contact your school’s financial aid office and ask about the process for requesting an aid adjustment (sometimes called asking for a professional judgment).

When should you submit a financial aid appeal?

You should submit a financial aid appeal as soon as your financial circumstances change and you discover you need more help to cover the cost of college. 

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Documentation: You’ll be more successful if you can provide full documentation of your financial situation. Don’t apply until you collect all the evidence.
• Getting help: Your school’s financial aid office is there to help. Ask questions to get clear guidance for a successful appeal.
• Final decision: Your school’s decision is final; you can’t appeal the decision to the Department of Education.
• One year: Appeals only last for a single year. If the special circumstances still apply after that year, you’ll need to appeal again.

How to request more financial aid in 5 steps

If your financial situation has changed since submitting your FAFSA, even in the middle of a semester, you can appeal through your school to get more financial aid. Here’s how:

1. Contact the financial aid office

Every school has its own appeals process. If you were accepted at multiple schools but haven’t decided, you must appeal with each school individually.

To understand a school’s specific process, contact the financial aid office. They often direct you to instructions online, but they might also offer more insight you can’t find on the website.

The process usually involves an appeal letter, but you may need to complete a form.

2. Gather supporting documentation

To make the strongest case for getting more financial aid, you’ll need to provide independent documentation of your special circumstances. These might include:

• More recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
• Death certificates for a family member who has passed
• Medical bills demonstrating high expenses
• Layoff or job termination notices
• Proof of eviction

If you’re making a merit-based appeal, you should include:

• Recent grades
• Academic awards
• Letters of recommendation
• Copies of financial aid offers from other schools

3. Write a strong financial aid appeal letter

So how do you write a financial aid appeal letter? A strong needs-based appeal letter should clearly state what has changed in your life and how that has affected your ability to pay for school. Explain any accompanying documentation.

Be direct about how much you need to bridge the gap in the cost of attendance and the aid you’ve been offered. You can also use this to demonstrate your passion for attending this school. 

Be clear, concise, and courteous. Make sure your letter meets all the requirements laid out by your financial aid office.

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Tip

A merit-based appeal will not discuss financial circumstances but instead your academic achievements. You can also discuss what other schools have offered.

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4. Fill out any required forms

Some schools may require you to fill out a form, either in place of or in addition to a letter. Take your time filling this out to ensure you don’t miss anything. If you have questions about specific fields, don’t guess—contact the aid office for clarification.

5. Submit the appeal and follow up

Submit your appeal (letter and all documentation) as instructed by your school’s financial aid office. You can follow up a week later by calling the office to check on the status and ask whether they need additional documentation.

Beyond that, you’ll need to wait for your school’s decision.

What to do if your financial aid appeal is denied

If your financial aid appeal is denied, you can’t escalate to the Department of Education. Each school’s decision is final.

But that doesn’t mean you need to give up hope. It’s possible to pay for college with no money and limited financial aid if you’re willing to get creative.

• Attend a different school: You’ll get financial aid packages from every school you’re accepted to. If you haven’t missed the acceptance deadline for a backup school that offers more aid, attend this school instead. If all your chosen schools fell short of the original aid offer, it’s worth appealing with all of them and increasing your chances of one college approving your appeal.
• Apply for scholarships: The scholarships your school offers in your aid package aren’t the only ones you can apply for. You might be able to apply for additional scholarships through the school or through local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. You can also search online scholarship databases like Going Merry. Check out our list of niche scholarships and our scholarship guide.
• Look for part-time jobs: If you need to pay for school out of pocket, look into work-study programs, side hustles for college students, or part-time jobs with flexible hours. Becoming a resident advisor or teaching assistant could also pay for school.
• Set up an installment plan: Some schools may offer tuition payment plans, meaning you’ll make installment payments throughout the semester rather than paying upfront.
• Apply for private student loans: If you’ve accepted all the federal student loans you were offered but need more assistance, you can turn to private lenders. The best private student loans, such as College Ave (our team’s top-rated lender), have competitive interest rates, low fees, flexible repayment options, and a long post-graduation grace period.

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Tip

Note that private student loans don’t offer the same benefits as federal loans, such as student loan forgiveness eligibility.

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You might feel stressed about asking for more aid, but remember: Your school’s financial aid office exists to help you make college work no matter your budget. Stay positive, and follow all the instructions for an appeal—and you will ideally get the aid you need!

FAQ

How long does a financial aid appeal take?

Processing times vary, but most schools review appeals within two to four weeks.

Can I ask for more financial aid every year?

Yes. If your financial situation continues to warrant additional aid, you can submit a new appeal each year.

Will asking for more financial aid hurt my chances of getting approved?

No, colleges encourage students to ask for help when they need it. However, submitting a weak or unverified appeal may lower your chances of approval.

What happens if my financial situation gets worse after my appeal?

If your financial circumstances change again, you may be able to submit another appeal within the same academic year.