1. Begin a scholarship hunt. Scholarships are free money. Remember you can find scholarships that are awarded for athletics, academics, volunteering, background, etc..

2. Appeal your financial aid award. Contact the school and see if they can provide you with a more favorable financial aid package. This idea may seem far fetched to some, however if you are an excellent student and have a variety of offers on the table for various other schools…your number one school may be willing to work with you. They don’t want to lose the best and the brightest.

3. Research and apply for private loans. These loans are credit based–therefore nearly all undergraduate students will require a co-signer. A private loan will allow you to borrow up to the entire cost of your education–meaning as long as you repay no school is out of the question. Remember, private loans will have higher interest rates than federal school loans do.

Remember to keep your options open and keep looking. While the financial aid process is not easy, if you want something bad enough you can find a way to make it work. Your best bet is to do your research and discover your options!

During a financial aid appeal, you will attempt to demonstrate your circumstances. You will need to demonstrate your current income level and assets. This is necessary to show you cannot afford to pay for your freshman year. More than likely you will need to provide income verification, an updated asset holdings, a list containing any uniquely high expenses, and description of your special circumstances. Ultimately, your goal is to lower your EFC.

A competitive appeal is a rivalry that exists between schools. These are generally private schools, who are fairly equal, see a lot of the same applicant, or members of the same conference. Competitive appeals are not always entertained by schools. A school would need to have a policy about their willingness to respond to the financial aid packages of other schools. If one school has given you a generous scholarship or grant, it does not hurt to inquire to a competing school about this. They may consider enhancing your initial financial aide package.

Tips for writing an appeal letter:

• Thank the college for their offer of financial aid, even if is not even close to the amount of aid you need.
  Address the head of the financial aid department. Find out who it is and use their name!

• Demonstrate why you are in need of more aid.

• List reasons why you/your parents cannot afford your EFC. Examples: mortgages, medical bills, etc.

• State you may not be able to attend this University without a higher financial aid offer. Use your words carefully!

• Be humble and appreciative. The financial aid office can approve or deny this request at their discretion and based on the funds available.

• Don’t be pushy!

• If your parents are not assisting you, make sure you let your school know.

• Follow up, after 2 weeks call the financial aid office to check your status.