Families who are suffering financial hardship due to job loss or income reduction from Covid-19 can consider appealing their financial aid award offer from their student’s top choice college.

Colleges will generally reconsider awards for two reasons:1) the EFC from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has changed due to a change in the family’s financial situation because of an illness, unemployment or significant drop in income, or 2) there is a competing offer from another college.

Financial aid administrators have the authority to make adjustments to the financial aid package on a case-by-case basis. They will use their professional judgment in cases where an employer may close for a period of time or if a parent was laid off due to the virus. Documentation will be required, and parents should contact the financial aid office at their child’s college to present their case. Colleges will require an appeal in writing, and additional documentation. Parents may want to do this for each of their child’s top choices, since each college administrator may present a different package.

If you plan to appeal your student’s financial aid award and you’d like to discuss strategies with me, please call me.