Appeal an Aid Decision
The Financial Aid Committee attempts to make the best decision possible with the information provided in the financial aid application materials. However, after receiving the financial aid award, a family may find that they are unable to manage their expected contribution due to changes in their financial circumstances. If this is the case, a family may submit an appeal to the Committee for reconsideration of their financial aid decision.
The Committee will consider circumstances that affect the family's ability to contribute, such as, but not limited to, a reduction in parental income, loss of employment, medical expenses not covered by insurance, or support of an elderly parent. If the Committee believes that additional assistance is appropriate, it may be offered in the form of loan, employment or scholarship. Sometimes, the assistance is offered one term at a time. Funding is limited. The Committee's ability to respond to changes in financial circumstances is dependent upon the availability of aid resources and remaining student eligibility.
How to submit an appeal
The regulations governing financial aid programs allow financial aid administrators to exercise professional judgment in the re-evaluation of aid eligibility provided that appropriate documentation is on file. If a family has new or additional information regarding their financial circumstances, it should be submitted in writing to the Financial Aid Committee. Families should complete the Financial Aid Appeal Application (pdf) and attach the required supporting documentation outlined on the application. Depending on the circumstances of the appeal, the Committee may request a Parental Monthly Expense Statement (pdf) and/or a Loss of Wages Statement (pdf). Appeals may be submitted via fax, email, or regular mail.
When to submit an appeal
For the current academic year: The Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid will accept appeals until mid-April.
For the upcoming academic year: For returning students, the Committee will begin reviewing appeals in mid-July after all initial aid decisions have been completed. For regular decision students Students, the Committee will begin reviewing appeals beginning in April. Students wishing to appeal their summer earnings should wait until the end of summer and provide appropriate documentation. Shortfalls in a student's summer earnings are offset by increases in loan and/or work.
Response time: Response time for appeals is typically two weeks from date of receipt. In some cases, sufficient time must pass before we can review your appeal. For example, if a family encounters a loss of income during fall term, the Committee will wait to review the reduction in income until the end of the calendar year when W-2s or other tax materials are available to document the loss.
