2 answers
Fernanda
Student
Morristown, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
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How can I get more Financial Aid when my FAFSA already deemed me "ineligible"?
After completing my FAFSA, I was deemed ineligible for a lot of grants. However, just looking at the number, it's easy to assume that, but it's totally wrong. My immigrant parents worked hard for the life they have now. However, no one warned them about the prices of College, therefore, there isn't any money saved for me. Every scholarship I want to apply to says I need to demonstrate "Financial need," mostly asking for a copy of my FAFSA. There, I am automatically not considered because they look at the numbers. My parents can't destroy everything they built just to send me to college. How can I get past this so I can go to ETSU? #Spring25
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2 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1021
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Fernanda, like you, my son who is a Junior in High School is also doing this kind of research. Here’s what we found after doing a lot of research and talking to counselors, college advisors, and financial aid experts, because he is in the same boat. After filling out the FAFSA, he was told he wasn’t eligible for much federal aid. On paper, our income makes it look like we can afford everything, but that’s just not the reality. It’s unfair that because of how the FAFSA calculates income, we don’t “look” like we need help, even though we do. Here’s what we learned about how to fight through this and still get financial aid.
Fernanda, you should know that FAFSA isn’t the final word. Colleges, including ETSU, allow something called a financial aid appeal or professional judgment review. Based on our research, this is a formal process where you can explain your situation and ask them to reconsider your aid package. You can write a letter explaining your family’s financial reality, like no college savings, high expenses, or other financial burdens that don’t show up on the FAFSA. You’ll want to contact ETSU’s financial aid office directly and ask how to start this process.
As my son’s counselor has stated to him, you will need to be honest and specific in your appeal letter, which should include things like rent, medical bills, or support for extended family, if that applies. Second, don’t rely only on need-based scholarships. Look for merit-based scholarships that focus on your grades, leadership, community service, or career goals. These don’t always require proof of financial need. Start with websites like https://www.fastweb.com/, https://www.scholarships.com/, https://www.goingmerry.com/, and https://www.cappex.com/. Set up a profile and apply for as many scholarships as you can, even small ones. You will find that they add up and we find that there is no limit. Also, search for local scholarships through your school counselor, community organizations, churches, and local businesses. These are often less competitive and sometimes don’t require FAFSA info at all.
Also, look into state aid and institutional aid. In Tennessee, for example, you may qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and other programs through https://www.tn.gov/collegepays.html. Even if your FAFSA doesn’t give you grants, your state might have separate funding. I beleive that ETSU itself offers scholarships through its https://www.etsu.edu/scholarships/, which includes departmental, athletic, and donor-funded awards—many of which don't ask for financial need.
Finally, if you are like my son, you might be willing to work while in school, look into federal work-study or campus jobs. Even without work-study eligibility, many schools offer part-time jobs to students. My son’s friend is also consider starting with a community college and transferring after two years, this can cut your college cost in half and make getting into a state university like ETSU much more affordable. I know that it is and can be frustrating, but don’t give up. Just because the FAFSA says “no” doesn’t mean it’s over. You can get to college and through smart planning, scholarships, appeals, and persistence, you can get the financial help you need.
Fernanda, you should know that FAFSA isn’t the final word. Colleges, including ETSU, allow something called a financial aid appeal or professional judgment review. Based on our research, this is a formal process where you can explain your situation and ask them to reconsider your aid package. You can write a letter explaining your family’s financial reality, like no college savings, high expenses, or other financial burdens that don’t show up on the FAFSA. You’ll want to contact ETSU’s financial aid office directly and ask how to start this process.
As my son’s counselor has stated to him, you will need to be honest and specific in your appeal letter, which should include things like rent, medical bills, or support for extended family, if that applies. Second, don’t rely only on need-based scholarships. Look for merit-based scholarships that focus on your grades, leadership, community service, or career goals. These don’t always require proof of financial need. Start with websites like https://www.fastweb.com/, https://www.scholarships.com/, https://www.goingmerry.com/, and https://www.cappex.com/. Set up a profile and apply for as many scholarships as you can, even small ones. You will find that they add up and we find that there is no limit. Also, search for local scholarships through your school counselor, community organizations, churches, and local businesses. These are often less competitive and sometimes don’t require FAFSA info at all.
Also, look into state aid and institutional aid. In Tennessee, for example, you may qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and other programs through https://www.tn.gov/collegepays.html. Even if your FAFSA doesn’t give you grants, your state might have separate funding. I beleive that ETSU itself offers scholarships through its https://www.etsu.edu/scholarships/, which includes departmental, athletic, and donor-funded awards—many of which don't ask for financial need.
Finally, if you are like my son, you might be willing to work while in school, look into federal work-study or campus jobs. Even without work-study eligibility, many schools offer part-time jobs to students. My son’s friend is also consider starting with a community college and transferring after two years, this can cut your college cost in half and make getting into a state university like ETSU much more affordable. I know that it is and can be frustrating, but don’t give up. Just because the FAFSA says “no” doesn’t mean it’s over. You can get to college and through smart planning, scholarships, appeals, and persistence, you can get the financial help you need.
Ankita Sakhare
23
Answers
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
It sounds like you're in a challenging spot, but don't lose hope! Here are a few steps you can take:
Appeal Your FAFSA Determination: Contact your school's financial aid office and explain your situation. Many schools offer a process to appeal your FAFSA if you can show that the numbers don’t accurately reflect your financial need due to special circumstances.
Look for Scholarships Outside FAFSA: There are scholarships that don’t require FAFSA or may use other criteria like merit or specific background. Search for local community scholarships, university-specific awards, or ones from organizations in your field of interest (like nursing).
Work with the Financial Aid Office: Sometimes, schools may have additional resources, work-study opportunities, or institutional grants that are not based solely on FAFSA. Explain your situation and see if they have any advice or programs you can apply to.
Consider Alternative Loan Options: If grants and scholarships aren't enough, look into private loans or income-based repayment plans that might give you more flexibility with your finances.
Make sure you’re proactive and persistent—financial aid offices are there to help you navigate these issues. Best of luck with your journey to ETSU!
Appeal Your FAFSA Determination: Contact your school's financial aid office and explain your situation. Many schools offer a process to appeal your FAFSA if you can show that the numbers don’t accurately reflect your financial need due to special circumstances.
Look for Scholarships Outside FAFSA: There are scholarships that don’t require FAFSA or may use other criteria like merit or specific background. Search for local community scholarships, university-specific awards, or ones from organizations in your field of interest (like nursing).
Work with the Financial Aid Office: Sometimes, schools may have additional resources, work-study opportunities, or institutional grants that are not based solely on FAFSA. Explain your situation and see if they have any advice or programs you can apply to.
Consider Alternative Loan Options: If grants and scholarships aren't enough, look into private loans or income-based repayment plans that might give you more flexibility with your finances.
Make sure you’re proactive and persistent—financial aid offices are there to help you navigate these issues. Best of luck with your journey to ETSU!