If a student must decline an offer of enrollment at a university solely due to tuition cost, this letter to an admissions office or financial aid department can help explain that this is a top choice school and request additional need-based or merit aid.
It is with great regret that I must decline the offer of enrollment at Anystate University, as my family is unable to meet the net cost outlined in the financial aid offer.
Anystate is still my top choice school. If anything changes regarding your ability to offer a more robust aid package, please let me know. An increase in aid of $8,000 would bring the cost more in line with what we are able to pay. I have been offered that amount at Otherstate University, which is my second choice.
I would also like to add a little insight: My parents’ income as reflected in the FAFSA and Common App, while applicable for the tax year in question, is no longer relevant. Since then, my father was laid off from his job and my mother has developed a condition that has greatly increased our family’s medical costs. They are both open to sharing more about these developments with the Admissions Office or Financial Aid Department if you think it would be helpful.
Thank you very much for the opportunity. I loved touring the campus and was so excited about the prospects for my chosen major.
