Frequently Asked Questions

Below are our most frequently asked questions about appealing financial aid offers. If you still have a question, please contact us at (415) 422-3387 during business hours or email financialaid@usfca.edu.

If I’ve been selected for verification (or have other outstanding requirements), can I still appeal? Verification or any other outstanding financial aid requirements must be completed before the appeal can be reviewed.

How long will it take to review my appeal?
It may take anywhere from two to three weeks for the Office of Financial Aid to review your appeal. Appeals are reviewed in the order that they are received.

What happens if a decision isn’t made until after the start of the semester? 
If your appeal is approved, your aid will be adjusted and applied within two weeks after approval. If the semester has already started and a payment has been made, any additional aid may be applied to your student account and refunded, if applicable. If you have any questions about this refund, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at (415) 422-2571 or studentaccounts@usfca.edu.

Who makes the appeal decisions?
Decisions are made by the appeal committee in the Office of Financial Aid. The Director of the Appeals Committee will review your appeal. Appeals cannot be submitted to other USF departments or to the Department of Education.

Can I submit additional information after submitting an appeal?
Yes, although it may delay your appeal decision. Please contact us at financialaid@usfca.edu if you have additional information that you want to add to your appeal.

If I submit an appeal and then change my mind, can I rescind my appeal?
Yes. If you decide you no longer want to appeal your financial aid, you can rescind your request. Contact us at financialaid@usfca.edu.

Special Circumstance Request Only:

My Student Aid Index (SAI) is zero or less, Do I qualify to submit an appeal?
No. Since you are receiving the maximum amount of federal, state, and/or institutional aid,  you do not qualify for additional aid. Accordingly, you would not qualify to submit an appeal.

My appeal was denied. Can I appeal again?
If your appeal is not approved, you can make another appeal if circumstances have changed drastically from when you originally appealed. For example, if your parent’s short-term unemployment changed from a three-month projection to actually being for the entire year, this may make you eligible for another appeal. You can appeal again beginning in May for the following academic year.

How many times can I appeal for the same year? 
You can appeal a total of two times for the same year, assuming circumstances have drastically changed since the first appeal.