How does Champlain College handle financial aid appeals?

I'm worried I might not get enough financial aid to attend Champlain College. Can anyone explain the process for appealing financial aid decisions there? Any tips on what info to include in the appeal?

Sure, I can provide some guidance on the financial aid appeal process at Champlain College.

Generally, schools like Champlain College are open to appeals, but this should ideally be demonstrated by changes in your family's financial circumstances that were not reflected in the original FAFSA application. It could be job loss, medical expenses, supporting additional family members, or anything else that's causing financial strain which was not previously covered in your FAFSA or CSS Profile.

To start the appeal process, you should first reach out to Champlain College's Office of Financial Aid here: https://www.champlain.edu/financial-aid/contact-financial-aid/. They will guide you on the specific process, but normally it involves writing a detailed letter addressing the changes in your financial situation. Keep in mind, the letter must not only describe the financial hardship, but also substantiate it with supporting documentation. This could include medical bills, bank statements, pay slips, or unemployment benefits.

Here's one helpful tip: make the letter personal so that the recipient can understand the impact of your financial situation on your academic goals. You might want to explain how attending Champlain College aligns with your career goals and how additional funding would help make it a reality. Also, you should emphasize that Champlain is your top choice - colleges are more likely to award additional aid to students they believe are likely to enroll.

Remember, appeals are not guaranteed to work, but they do sometimes result in a slight increase in aid. It can't hurt to appeal if you've indeed undergone a significant change in financial circumstances. Making sure you present a compelling case is crucial. Good luck!