Writing a Simple Financial Aid Request Letter (with Sample) (2024)

Agood financial aid request letter can make or breaka request for financial aid. Some student financial aid sources have online applications, but some require an application be sent through the mail. For these, the letter should give details of why the applicant requires financial aid.

​Additional information should include a list of grades, extracurricular activities and any other evidence that the aid is deserved. The applicant can mention their personal intention to be a successful student.
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Financial Assistance

Financial aid may also be requested as a fundraising effort to support a cause, or for financial assistance to ask for an adjustment to a mortgage. For any financial aid request, the purpose for the aid should be expressed first, and the reason the aid is required mentioned second.

Financial Aid Request Letter (Free Sample)

The two main reasons for a student to write a financial aid request letter are to request financial aid or to request a change in the status of existing financial aid. For either type of letter, there are basic common elements. The information pertaining to the reason the applicant is asking for financial aid should be prominent. This is one of the most important aspects of the letter.
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First Paragraph

The letter should be addressed to the person responsible for reviewing financial aid applications. The applicant can call the college and learn the name of the right person to address. In the first paragraph, the applicant should state why they are writing for aid.

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Financial Aid Request Letter (Free Sample)

Second Paragraph
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​The second paragraph should explain the situation that caused the applicant to require financial aid such as a sick parent who is out of work. At this point, it is important to say that there are attached documents to verify the situation.

They can also mention when they expect their financial situation to improve. The applicant should state why they feel they deserve assistance. If the applicant is a student, they can mention why they want to attend this particular university.

Tone Should be Polite and Humble

​The tone of the letter should be polite and humble. This is considered the best attitude to take when approaching an individual or institution for financial help.

​The language should flow smoothly, so the letter reads easily. Complicated, awkward sentence structure may irritate the reader, so the hope of financial aid goes right in the waste basket.

Here is a sample letter for requesting financial aid. Any enclosures should be copies and not originals. The letter should be sent by certified mail so that the applicant has proof that the letter was sent and received with the date. It is also a good idea to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope to make it easier to get a quick response.

​Sample Financial Aid Request Letter
Applicant’s Name
Applicant’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Student ID Number

DATE

Name of Financial Aid Administrator
Name of Institution or University
Address of above
City, State, Zip Code

RE: Financial Aid

Dear Name of Administrator,

Thank you for the offer of financial aid so that I can attend [XYZ University]. Since I submitted my application, my family’s financial position has drastically changed.

As mentioned in my application, my mother is a single parent. She recently lost her employment due to the downsizing of the company for which she worked.

As a result of this, she will not be able to pay the portion of my college education as we thought at the time I made my application. I have enclosed documents showing her employment position and our monthly expenses. She will be making every effort to find new employment.

I would be very grateful if you could adjust the amount of financial aid you offered me, as it would make the difference between me continuing my education or stopping and getting a job.

​My aim is to work hard and graduate from your esteemed institution. I will be happy to send you any more information or fill out any application forms required. I can be reached at [555 123 4567] or at [Name@email.com].

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Applicant’s Name
Applicant’s signature
List of enclosures
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​By Andre Bradley
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