Aid Appeals

Some students and their families experience unique circumstances that affect the ability to pay college costs. If your financial circumstances change, contact us as soon as possible. You may request a re-evaluation of your aid or an appeal of a financial aid policy or decision.
Our ability to provide additional assistance depends on the circumstances, a student's dependency status, when you contact us, whether and when you are able to provide documentation of your circumstances, and whether funds are available.
Please note: Appeals of financial aid eligibility, including budget re-evaluations, must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the end of the semester to allow time for approval and aid disbursement.
Families facing severe financial problems due to job loss, medical expenses, foreclosure, or business declines should contact the Office of Financial Aid for a review of their aid eligibility. If you have experienced a significant and prolonged loss of family income, you may be eligible for additional aid for the current academic year. We can work with your family to find the best mix of resources to keep you enrolled.
Circumstances that will be considered include:
For many, the best available option for the current year may be a federal loan. Federally funded programs such as the PLUS Loan offer favorable terms, including good rates and the option to defer payments until six months after student graduation. Students whose parents are denied a PLUS Loan are eligible for additional unsubsidized Direct Loan funds.
Evaluation of financial aid applications, re-evaluation of an aid package, or an appeal of a financial aid decision, are handled through a review process using professional judgment by financial aid professionals in the U-M Office of Financial Aid. Any request to the office is considered using best professional practices and making such a request does not guarantee approval. Financial aid regulations are subject to change through legislation or policy changes by the U.S. Department of Education.
All requests for re-evaluation must be received a minimum of three weeks prior to the end of the enrollment period. The U-M Office of Financial Aid cannot guarantee that requests received after this point will be funded. The Office of Financial Aid cannot, under any circumstances, process a request received after the end of the enrollment period. If you have questions regarding this restriction, please contact our office.
If you have a concern regarding a financial aid policy or decision, or you have a special circumstance for us to consider, you may follow the appeal procedures below: