How do I appeal for more grant aid?

A financial aid appeal, also known as a special or unusual circumstances appeal, is a request for an adjustment to your expected family contribution (EFC) based on specific changes or challenges that have occurred since you initially applied for financial aid or based on unusual or unique family situations.  Financial aid appeals require supporting documentation and Cornell financial aid professionals make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

When applying for financial aid, the documents you are required to submit, and submission deadlines, vary depending on the type of student you are. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you are unsure which category below applies to you. You must apply each year if you are seeking financial aid.

More students than ever are able to graduate from Cornell with little to no debt, and about half of all undergraduate students receive substantial financial aid in the form of Cornell grants — this is free money that does not need to be repaid.

After factoring in funding awarded through grants and work-study programs, the cost of a Cornell education may be less than you would expect. And, in many cases, families qualify for no or reduced loans, too.