How should I format my financial aid appeal letter?

I'm in the process of drafting a financial aid appeal letter and I'm a bit lost on what the format should look like. I've been told a clear structure is important but I'm unsure where to start. Does anyone have tips or a basic outline that they could share to make sure I include all the necessary elements? Any advice on how formal it should be would be super helpful!

In crafting your financial aid appeal letter, it's important to maintain a formal and respectful tone. It should follow a basic business letter format and be properly addressed to the appropriate office and decision-makers at the university. The letter should ideally be between one and two pages long. Here is a general outline to get you started:

1. Salutation (e.g. "Dear [Financial Aid Officer's Name]")

2. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you're writing the letter. State your educational goals and why this school is crucial to achieving them.

3. Discuss your financial situation: Describe your family's financial situation and how the financial aid package you've been offered does not meet your needs. Be as specific and as factual as possible. For example, if you or your family have experienced recent financial hardship such as a job loss or medical expenses, mention that.

4. Provide specific examples and details: If you have received more generous financial aid offers from other similar institutions, you might want to include those details (without naming the institutions) to help make your case stronger. Conversely, if the financial hardship is due to specific circumstances, such as medical bills or reduced income, provide enough details to make clear the impact on your family's ability to contribute to your education.

5. Request for increased aid: Politely and respectfully request the school to reconsider your financial aid package. Be clear about what you're asking -- whether it's an increase in grants and scholarships, more work-study hours, etc.

6. Express Gratitude: Always close the letter by expressing your appreciation for their consideration.

7. Sign off (e.g. "Sincerely, Your Name")

Finally, do not forget to attach the necessary documentation that supports your appeal. This could be medical bills, unemployment paperwork, a recent job termination letter, or other schools' financial aid offers. Always remember to maintain a respectful tone throughout and acknowledge the effort the financial aid office puts into assisting students.