Many students use scholarship money to pay for their education. In fact, 86% of college students receive some form of financial aid. This aid may include merit-based aid or need-based scholarships.
Learners with high academic grades, artistic talents, or other gifts pursue merit scholarships. Some extracurricular activities may also qualify students for merit scholarships. Students' financial need doesn't factor into merit-based aid.
Both public and private colleges offer scholarships. Private schools usually offer the most funds to help offset attendance costs. However, what if you don't receive enough scholarship money? Is asking for more merit aid acceptable?
This page explores how to approach a financial aid appeal. Read on to learn how to ask for more money and what to do if a school denies your appeal.
Negotiating College Merit Scholarships
Many colleges offer renewable merit scholarships. Applicants should ensure that they meet requirements. This may involve maintaining a certain GPA or enrollment status. A school's admissions office oversees the application process for merit-based aid.
Applicants may need to submit an application form and provide documentation. Students can begin asking for more merit aid once a school approves the merit scholarship.
Featured Online Degree Programs
How to Ask for More Merit Scholarship Money
Students interested in asking for more merit aid should use the right strategies. Read on to learn how to negotiate for more scholarship money.
-
Review the School's Appeal Process
You can learn more about the financial aid appeal process by visiting your school's website. Prepare to make a compelling case. Your application should show your interest in attending the school.
-
Put It in Writing
Contact your school's admissions office and complete the necessary paperwork. Ask the school if it can offer more scholarship money to make your attendance more feasible. Applicants should use family circ*mstances as compelling reasons for the school to reconsider.
A substantial income change, medical issues, or childcare expenses could help sway the decision in your favor. Competing offers from other colleges demonstrate that other schools want you to enroll.
-
Provide Documentation
Students must provide evidence that supports their application for merit-based aid. This may include school transcripts and recommendation letters. Some schools require an essay. Compare college financial aid offers and attach documentation of competing offers to help make your case. -
Follow Up
Follow up on the application during the financial aid appeal process. Use the school's established timeline to know when to send a follow-up email. Address the email to a specific person in the admissions office. This establishes a rapport with someone in the office. Always use courteous and professional language. Manage expectations about the outcome and how much scholarship money the college can award.
Is the FAFSA Required for Merit Aid?
All students should complete the FAFSA. This helps determine a student's eligibility for need-based aid and federal student loans. The FAFSA also opens up other financial aid options, such as low-interest student loans. Some schools require the FAFSA even if students only want merit-based aid.
What to Do If Your Appeal for More Merit-Based Aid is Denied
If your financial aid appeal is unsuccessful, don't lose hope. You can work with your school's financial aid office to explore other options. You can also apply for financial aid from private organizations. Businesses, nonprofits, and foundations offer merit and need-based scholarships.
Academically gifted students can explore the National Merit Scholarship program. Students can also take out a private loan or consider attending a more affordable college.
FAQs
5 Steps To Negotiate More Financial Aid
- Step 1: Access Changes In Your Financial Situation. ...
- Step 2: Gather Relevant Documents. ...
- Step 3: Compare Other Aid Offers From Comparable Colleges. ...
- Step 4: Write A Letter Appealing For More Aid. ...
- Step 5: Wait To Pay The Deposit. ...
- What Won't Work.
State your reasons: Clearly state the reasons why you are asking for more merit scholarship money. Be specific and provide evidence to support your claims. For example, if there has been a significant change in your financial situation, such as loss of income or unexpected expenses, mention it in detail.
How to ask college financial aid for more money? ›
To appeal for more financial aid for college, follow these steps:
- Call the college financial aid office to ask about the financial aid appeals process. ...
- Identify the special circ*mstances that affect your ability to pay for college. ...
- Write a financial aid appeal letter. ...
- Don't ask for a specific amount of money.
Ask the school if it can offer more scholarship money to make your attendance more feasible. Applicants should use family circ*mstances as compelling reasons for the school to reconsider. A substantial income change, medical issues, or childcare expenses could help sway the decision in your favor.
What schools give out the most merit aid? ›
13 Colleges That Give Merit Aid to the Most Students
| SCHOOL (STATE) | PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME STUDENTS AWARDED MERIT AID IN 2019-2020 |
|---|
| Gonzaga University (WA) | 48% |
| Fairfield University (CT) | 46% |
| Furman University (SC) | 45% |
| Guilford College (NC) | 44% |
10 more rowsYour financial aid award appeal letter should include the following:
- An address to a specific person. ...
- A clear “ask” and a specific “why.” Ask the office to reconsider, then offer a clear-cut reason why you need more aid money.
- Details of any special circ*mstances. ...
- Appropriate documentation. ...
- An exact amount.
Request a Reevaluation of Your Circ*mstances
Schools are not required to consider special circ*mstances, but those that do have a process, called professional judgement. Through this process, you can petition for a reevaluation of the information on your FAFSA® form.
How to convince a college to give you more money? ›
Your letter should clearly state the facts of your family's financial situation and your financial need. It should explain why you need additional aid, even if the reason is something you find difficult or even embarrassing to talk about. Be candid and honest about your family finances.
How can I request more money from financial aid? ›
If you need more financial aid, contact your school's financial aid office. Here are other options you can consider if you didn't receive enough financial aid: searching and applying for scholarships. working at an on-campus part-time job.
How is merit aid determined? ›
What Is Merit-Based Aid? Merit-based aid goes to students based on their academic and/or extracurricular achievements rather than their financial need. Scholarships are the most common type of merit-based aid.
Find other ways to say what you're asking for: “Is there any way for you to offer additional assistance?” or, “Are there any additional scholarships available?” will be viewed more kindly than a direct request to match another college's award or “negotiate” a better price. Be too pushy or demanding.
What are good reasons for a financial aid appeal? ›
Valid reasons for an appeal include:
- medical emergencies.
- severe health issues.
- severe personal or family problems.
- financial or personal catastrophe.
- return for a second degree or certificate.
Focus on your education, improve your grades, help out in your community and hone your hobbies. Not only could this help you apply to other scholarships, but it also should remind you that you are you! Although scholarships are important, it is your goals and aspirations that set you apart from others.
Can I ask for a higher merit increase? ›
The more work they need to do to help you out, the less likely they are to find the time to do it. Armed with those three pieces of information—your target salary, accomplishments, and accolades—you can approach your manager about an additional raise.
How can I increase my financial aid offer? ›
How to Get the Most Financial Aid? 7 Tips to Maximize College Funding
- File forms as early as possible. ...
- Minimize student assets. ...
- Understand and utilize FAFSA strategies. ...
- Fill out FAFSA regardless of income. ...
- Prepare for merit-based aid possibilities. ...
- Consider even top-rated schools as options.
Luckily, financial aid can help you cover some (or all) of the costs. And, if you negotiate your package with your school, you might qualify for even more financial aid. Negotiating financial aid packages is a common practice. It can put you in a strong position to pay for your education.
