appealing financial aid decision?

Leonardsmom,LPN · Jul 30, 2014

I just had to go through the appeal process at my school because I had reached the maximum time frame on completing my program with the fact that over the past 16 years I had changed my major a couple of times and it was felt that I was not making satisfactory progress. After filling out the form, explaining why I felt an exemption should be made and my school plans and goals, I was approved on my appeal process and granted my financial aid. Hopefully your appeal will go through, I understand how frustrating it can be to wait to hear back from the financial aid office. While you are waiting it would definitely be worth at least getting the information for any other resources that you are thinking about, such as private loans if you are thinking about going that way. I don't think that I would apply for any just quite yet, depending on when your tuition and such is due, but at least have the information together for when you might need to make that decision.

Good luck on your appeal

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 30, 2014

My husband and I made decent money last year but he lost his job at the end of 2013 and is doing temp work for now and putting applications like crazy, but no luck so far. I will be cutting back my hours for the nursing program. My financial aid offer is based on 2013's tax return and income, just an unsubsidized loan that won't cover my full costs. I have contacted my school's financial aid office and written a letter explaining how our financial situation has changed. I provided his termination letter and our recent paystubs showing our income so far this year. They said I should hear back in a few weeks, but I'm anxious to find out what's going to happen and whether or not I should try applying for loans and getting my stuff in order. I don't like to leave anything until the last minute. Has anyone out there succesfully appealed financial aid?

I think appeals for change in financial status with evidence like you have are quite often approved provided there are funds available. If nothing else the school can approve federal student loans as opposed to going for private student loans.

HippyMama · Jul 31, 2014

I just had to go through the appeal process at my school because I had reached the maximum time frame on completing my program with the fact that over the past 16 years I had changed my major a couple of times and it was felt that I was not making satisfactory progress. After filling out the form, explaining why I felt an exemption should be made and my school plans and goals, I was approved on my appeal process and granted my financial aid. Hopefully your appeal will go through, I understand how frustrating it can be to wait to hear back from the financial aid office. While you are waiting it would definitely be worth at least getting the information for any other resources that you are thinking about, such as private loans if you are thinking about going that way. I don't think that I would apply for any just quite yet, depending on when your tuition and such is due, but at least have the information together for when you might need to make that decision.
Good luck on your appeal

Hi! could you please explain this appeal process to me. My mom signed me up for classes at a private univeresity when I was a minor. Those units plus my genes end press I did at community college a fewe years ago put me above maximum units attempted. How do I appeal to have more than 180 units and still e considered to be making SAP? I'm so happy to read that you were able to appeal some of the units you took in the past! I'm really hoping I to can do something like this:)

Barespot · Jul 31, 2014

Danilu14, I had the same situation as you and I just had to show proof that my financial situation had changed and the financial aid office based my financial aid grants on my new current financial standings. Each office has different ways of doing things but when your financial situation changes so drastically they usually base it on the new information.

Danilu14 · Aug 8, 2014

I emailed the financial aid office and explained the situation. They sent me forms to fill out and requested hubby's termination letter, paystubs for both of us, a rundown of our monthly expenses, a tax transcript and letter of appeal. I e-mailed back and forth with them for a few days and answered all of their follow up questions and sent in whatever else they asked for (thank goodness I had access to a scanner and fax machine at work!) and got my updated financial aid award letter yesterday. I was awarded a pell grant and it will pay my tuition in full and should also cover my books this semester! I'm so happy, that's such a huge relief! Thank you for your input!