How to Ask for More Financial Aid (Templates)

Emailing the Financial Aid Office Directly

Hello X,

My name is [] and I am a current [freshman/sophmore/junior/senior]. I am reaching out in regards to my financial aid offer. My current financial aid package is [insert $ amount] for the academic year, however this is not something my family and I are currently able to afford. Do you have some time to meet in the next week to discuss my package and see if there are ways to reduce my annual family contribution?

Thank you in advance,

[Your Name]

Following Up with Financial Aid Office (2-3 business days after the initial message)

Hello X,

I emailed a few days ago asking to meet with someone in the Financial Aid Office to discuss my aid package for the current academic year. I’d love to get something on the calendar before my bill is due. Would you happen to have some time at the end of this week/early next week?

Thank you!

[Your Name]

You got a meeting with the Financial Aid Office! If you did not get a meeting with them, it’s okay. Show up at the financial aid office and ask to meet with someone. Ask these questions:

Go to the meeting with copies of you/your parents latest tax returns. Come prepared with an amount that would be feasible for you/your family to pay.

• How did you calculate my family contribution?

• Are there any grant or scholarship opportunities that I can apply to this year? How about next year?

• My family can only contribute X amount. Is there anything you can do to get me closer to that number?

• Is there any additional funding available for first-generation students, students of color, or low-income students?