How To Have A Conversation With A College Financial Aid Office

Navigating college costs can feel overwhelming, but your school’s financial aid office is there to help. Whether you’re trying to understand your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application, appeal a financial aid decision¹, or find scholarships for college, knowing how to effectively communicate with the financial aid office can make a significant difference.

How to Find and Contact Your College’s Financial Aid Office

Most colleges and universities have a dedicated college financial aid office ready to assist students and families. Here’s how to get in touch:

1. Visit the College’s Website

Nearly every college has a page dedicated to financial aid page for parents and students on its website. Look under sections like Admissions or Student Services to find financial aid contact information. Feeling stuck? Reach out to us at Going Merry Support (support@goingmerry.com) and we can hunt down that contact information for you.

2. Call or Email

Reaching out directly is most effective when you are really specific in your inquiries. Instead of asking, “Can I get more financial aid?” try, “What are my options for covering my unmet financial need?”

Be prepared to give details. Providing more context about your unique financial circumstances can help you map out a plan for covering any financial gap you have. And be kind and respectful – it’s a real person on the other end of the phone!

3. Visit in Person

If you’re on campus for a tour or just to explore a bit, a face-to-face meeting might be preferred – especially if there are more people in the meeting than you and your FAO (for example, your parents or guardians). Financial aid offices may also host walk-in hours for quick questions if you happen to be nearby. As with a phone call, be prepared to discuss your unique financial situation and have questions ready to go.

Why It’s Important to Stay in Touch with Financial Aid

Many students think they only need to contact their college financial aid office when something goes wrong, but that’s not the case. There are several reasons to stay engaged:

Understanding Your Financial Aid Package: A financial aid officer can help break down the details of your college grants, federal student loans, and other aid to give you a clearer picture of your financial aid package.
Exploring Additional Funding: A financial aid officer can also help you discover additional need-based scholarships, federal grants for college, and last-minute financial aid options specific to that college.
Addressing Special Circumstances: If your family experiences job loss, medical expenses, or other financial hardships, you may be eligible for a financial aid award adjustment through the financial aid appeal process. Your FAO will know just how to get you started with that appeal. (We’ll cover this more below.)

The Benefits of Working with Your School’s Financial Aid Office

Personalized Support: Financial aid advisors can guide you through how to appeal financial aid and explain the financial aid reconsideration process.
Emergency Financial Aid Assistance: If you’re facing a financial aid shortfall, your school may offer gap funding for college or direct you to resources for covering financial aid gaps.
Help with Loan Management: Get advice on student loan forgiveness, repayment plans, and responsible borrowing.

What to Do If Your Financial Aid Isn’t Enough

If you receive your financial aid award letter and realize it’s not enough to cover tuition and expenses, here are steps you can take:

1. File a Financial Aid Appeal

Significant financial changes (like a parent losing a job) may qualify you for an increase in financial aid award. You can request a financial aid award adjustment through your school.

Use the Going Merry Financial Aid Appeal Letter Generator to create a personalized appeal in just four steps!

2. Seek Additional Scholarships

Utilize the Going Merry website to find external funding opportunities that don’t have to be repaid.

3. Consider Alternative Payment Options

If your unmet financial need is still significant, ask about alternative ways to pay for college, including work-study programs, income-share agreements, or private scholarships.

4. Negotiate Your Financial Aid Package

Colleges sometimes have emergency college funding or discretionary funds available. Knowing how to negotiate financial aid can be key to closing the college funding gap.

Wrapping Up

Your college financial aid office is one of your biggest allies in navigating the costs of attending college. Whether you’re exploring student loans, Pell Grants, or looking for ways to pay for college without financial aid, staying in touch with your FAO ensures you’re making informed decisions.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

¹ Submitting your appeal letter does not guarantee an adjustment of your financial aid award. Please consult with the relevant university’s financial aid office for additional questions.

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