Sample Report
This is an example analysis for a financial aid appeal at Boston University. Your report will be personalized to your specific school, aid package, and circumstances.
Financial Aid Appeal — Boston University

$12,400 in additional aid available

$8,000 institutional grant increase + $2,400 federal adjustment + $2,000 work-study increase

Appeal Strength
7.2/10
YOU PAY NOW
$41,105/yr
AFTER APPEAL
$28,705/yr
REALISTIC FLOOR
$33,105/yr
floor
Package Breakdown
ComponentCurrentAppeal TargetGain
Cost of Attendance$82,000$82,000—
Tuition, room, board, fees, books, personal expenses
Institutional Grants$25,000$33,000+$8,000
Primary appeal target — BU has discretionary funds for demonstrated need
Federal Grants (Pell)$7,395$7,395—
Already at maximum — income change may qualify for adjustment next cycle
Federal SEOG$0$1,500+$1,500
Supplemental grant for exceptional need — income drop may qualify
State Grant$0$900+$900
Check state grant eligibility with updated income information
Work-Study$3,000$5,000+$2,000
Request increase — BU has on-campus positions paying $16-18/hr
Loans (Sub + Unsub)$5,500$5,500—
Federal loan limits are fixed — not part of appeal
Additional Aid Available+$12,400
Your Leverage
7.2 / 10 — Strong
Competing offer with $10K lower net cost — Northeastern at $44K vs BU at $54K gives you concrete negotiation leverage. Financial aid offices routinely match or narrow the gap with peer institutions.
Documented income drop of 41% — A verifiable change from $105K to $62K qualifies as a "special circumstance" that most schools will review under professional judgment authority.
Medical expenses strengthen the case — $8,500 in out-of-pocket medical costs on top of income loss shows compounding hardship, which aid officers weigh heavily.
Timing is in your favor — Appealing before May 1 decision deadline gives BU maximum incentive to retain you. They've already invested in your admission.
Red Flags Detected
Current package leaves a $41,105/yr gap after all aid — this is unsustainable without Parent PLUS loans or outside scholarships.
No institutional grant increase since admission despite significant income change — this suggests the aid office hasn't been notified of your changed circumstances.
Work-study at $3,000 is below BU's typical range of $4,000-6,000 — you may be under-allocated.
Ready to appeal your aid package?