Sample Letters Asking for Scholarship Money: How to Ask for More Financial Aid and Get a Yes

When I was applying to graduate school, I was excited and overwhelmed. I had just gotten into Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, and even though I had a strong application and big dreams, I was staring down a massive price tag.

So I did what most people don’t even realize they can do: I wrote letters. I wrote to the financial aid office. I asked for more money. I appealed. And you know what? It worked.

Share a specific amount I received through my appeal letters at Harvard. For example: “My appeals resulted in an additional $15,000 in scholarship funding—money that would have otherwise been loans I’d still be paying off today. This wasn’t just luck; it was about knowing how to ask effectively and having the courage to advocate for myself.

That experience is part of what inspired me to start The Art of Applying® back in 2010 during my final year at Harvard. I launched it with a $10,000 grant from HBS, and since then, my team and I have helped thousands of people, especially underrepresented, nontraditional, and first-generation applicants, gain admission to top schools and win over $30 million in merit scholarships and aid.

Here’s what I want you to know: It is absolutely okay to ask for more scholarship money. Whether you’re heading to college, graduate school, or sending your child to a private school, you don’t have to accept the first offer you receive.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to write a scholarship letter asking for more money, share templates and real-world examples, and explain the strategy behind what makes a great appeal letter successful.

Why You Should Consider Appealing for More Financial Aid

Here’s the truth: Most schools expect some families to appeal for more financial aid. In fact, many institutions set aside funding specifically for these requests.

Common reasons to request more aid include:

A change in your financial situationCompeting scholarship offers from other schoolsHigh private school tuition for siblingsUnforeseen family expenses (medical bills, job loss, etc.)Outstanding academic achievement or leadership impact not initially considered

I’ve seen clients hesitate to appeal because they worry it might jeopardize their admission or make them appear ungrateful. Let me assure you: financial aid offices expect appeals. In fact, when I worked with a client who initially received zero funding from her dream school, her thoughtful appeal resulted in a $45,000 scholarship. The school later told her they actually set aside funds specifically for students who demonstrate the initiative to ask!

If any of this applies to you, or even if you just feel the current offer doesn’t reflect your family’s financial need or your merit, it’s worth sending a request letter to the financial aid office.

What to Include in a Scholarship Appeal Letter

A powerful letter to request more scholarship money should include:

A clear subject line (if it’s an email)Gratitude for the offer already receivedA specific ask (for more aid, more merit money, reconsideration, etc.)A brief but honest explanation of your financial situationAny supporting information or documentationA comparison award, if applicableA respectful tone and a clear close to the letter

One thing I always emphasize with my clients: be realistic in your requests. Asking for a full-tuition plus stipend scholarship might not be feasible if you’re starting from zero. Instead, consider starting with a more modest, specific request based on your actual needs or competing offers. I’ve found that schools respond much better to realistic, well-justified requests than to seemingly unreasonable ones.

Always assume the person reading your appeal is busy and potentially skeptical. Your job is to write a letter that is clear, direct, and respectful while advocating for yourself or your child.

How to Write a Letter Requesting More Scholarship Money: Step-by-StepStep 1: Start with Gratitude

Always begin your letter by expressing appreciation for your acceptance and any aid already offered. This sets a collaborative tone.

“Thank you so much for your generous offer of admission and the $10,000 merit scholarship award. I am honored and excited about the possibility of joining the incoming class at [School Name].”

Step 2: Share Your Financial Situation or Merit Rationale

Explain the reason for your request: whether it’s based on financial need or a case for additional merit-based aid.

Be honest. Be concise.

“While I am thrilled to have been awarded this scholarship, my family’s financial situation has recently changed due to [brief explanation]. As such, I am writing to respectfully request a reconsideration of my financial aid package.”

Or for merit-based aid:

“Given my continued academic achievement and recent [award, internship, leadership accomplishment], I’d like to be considered for additional merit scholarship funding.”

When explaining your situation, remember to articulate why it benefits the school to give you more funding. For example, you might mention: ‘As someone committed to returning to the healthcare sector post-graduation, where provider-side salaries are typically lower than other MBA career paths, additional scholarship support would allow me to pursue my passion for improving healthcare access rather than being forced into higher-paying fields to manage loan repayments.’

Step 3: Make the Ask Specific

Don’t just say “more aid” — be clear.

“I am respectfully requesting an increase of $5,000 to my merit scholarship award, if possible.”

Or:

“I would appreciate any additional financial assistance available, as it would make attending [School Name] more feasible for my family.”

Step 4: Provide Any Comparisons or Documentation

This is optional but helpful.

“I have received a scholarship offer of $15,000 from [Other School], which I am considering seriously. If [School Name] is able to match or come closer to this amount, it would significantly impact my decision.”

Be specific with your comparisons. When one of my clients received a $20,000 scholarship from School A but preferred School B (which offered only $10,000), we didn’t just mention the competing offer. We highlighted the cost-of-living differences between the two locations and calculated exactly how much more School B would need to offer to make the financial burden equivalent. This specificity and thoughtfulness resulted in School B matching the competing offer.

Step 5: Thank Them and Close the Letter

Close your letter with respect and warmth.

“Thank you for your time and consideration. I deeply value the opportunity to attend [School Name] and hope we can work together to make it financially possible.”

Sample Letters Asking for Scholarship MoneyMerit Scholarship Appeal Letter Example

Subject: Reconsideration Request for Merit Scholarship – [Your Full Name]

Dear [Financial Aid Officer’s Name],

Thank you for the offer of admission to [School Name] and the $10,000 merit scholarship award. I am thrilled to be accepted and excited about the opportunities ahead.

I’m writing to respectfully request reconsideration for an increased merit scholarship. Since submitting my application, I’ve [describe new achievements or leadership roles]. I believe this additional context reflects my continued academic excellence and leadership potential.

If any additional merit-based aid is available, I would be deeply grateful for your consideration.

Thank you again for your time and support.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Sample Letter Asking for Financial Assistance for Education

Subject: Request for Additional Financial Aid – [Your Full Name]

Dear [Financial Aid Officer’s Name],

Thank you for the offer of admission and the financial aid package of $18,000. While this support is appreciated, my family’s financial situation has changed significantly due to [brief explanation, such as a job loss or medical expense].

I am writing to request additional financial assistance, if available, to help offset the remaining tuition. This support would allow me to fully commit to [School Name] without significant financial strain.

Please let me know if further documentation is needed. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Scholarship Email Sample for Private School Tuition Support

Subject: Request for Financial Aid Appeal – [Student Name]

Dear [Admissions or Financial Aid Office],

Thank you for the generous scholarship awarded to [Student Name] for the upcoming year at [Private School Name]. We are incredibly grateful for the support.

Due to recent changes in our family’s financial situation and the rising cost of private school tuition, we are requesting a review of [Student Name]’s financial aid package. We are committed to [Student Name]’s education at [School Name] and hope to find a path forward that works for both our family and your institution.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,
[Parent/Guardian Name]
[Contact Information]

How to Handle Follow-Up Conversations

After sending your letter, be prepared for a potential follow-up conversation. One challenge many applicants face is feeling intimidated when discussing money. Remember: this is a normal business conversation, not a personal favor.

When I coach clients through these conversations, I advise them to practice beforehand. Role-play the call with a friend, anticipating questions like ‘Why do you feel you deserve more aid?’ or ‘What would make this offer work for you?’

Be prepared to explain your financial situation concisely and without apology. One client struggled with articulating her needs until we practiced responses that were both honest and dignified: ‘While I’m honored by your offer, the reality is that with my current debt from undergraduate studies and family obligations, I would need an additional $10,000 in scholarship funding to make attending feasible without extreme financial hardship.’

These follow-up conversations often determine the final outcome, so approach them with the same care you put into your letter.

Tips for Writing a Great Request Letter for Scholarship MoneyUse a respectful and appreciative tone throughout the letter.Be specific about what you are requesting and why.If emailing, use a professional subject line.When relevant, include supporting documentation or other scholarship offers.Follow up once if you haven’t heard back in 10–14 days.Proofread carefully before sending.Be concise and impactful. Financial aid officers read hundreds of letters, often spending just a few minutes on each. I’ve found that the most successful appeals are typically 1-2 pages maximum, with clear headings and bullet points highlighting key information. Make every word count.When to Send Your Letter or Email to the Financial Aid Office

Timing matters. You should submit your financial aid appeal letter or request letter as soon as possible after receiving your aid package—ideally within two weeks.

If you wait too long, the funding may be gone. You don’t need to wait until after you accept the offer—most schools prefer you appeal before enrollment.

Yes, You Can Ask for More Scholarship Money

Most people don’t realize they can ask for more money. But you can. And you should—especially if your financial situation has changed or you’ve received a better offer from another school.

As the Founder and CEO of The Art of Applying, I’ve seen this process work for thousands of clients, from college freshmen to grad school applicants. Whether you’re appealing for need-based aid, a merit scholarship, or tuition help at a private school, the key is to write a scholarship letter that is honest, respectful, and clear.

I understand the hesitation. Many of my clients initially feel uncomfortable asking for money, especially first-generation students who already feel fortunate just to be admitted. But here’s what I tell them: advocating for yourself financially is a skill that will serve you throughout your career, from negotiating your first salary to securing funding for projects you believe in. The schools that truly value you will respect your self-advocacy, not penalize it. And remember, the worst they can say is no, which leaves you exactly where you started, but with valuable experience in professional negotiation.

And if you want expert support as you navigate the admissions and financial aid process, from your first application to negotiating your final offer, our Application Accelerator® program might be a good fit. You can explore it more by booking a free Quick Call with my team.

Your education is a big investment. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for the funding you need to afford it.

Have you successfully appealed for more scholarship money? Or are you preparing to write your own appeal letter? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit, because everyone deserves access to education without crushing debt.