Your award letter arrived, your college bill is due soon—and the numbers don’t add up. The amount of aid offered doesn’t come close to covering your full college costs, and you’re left staring at a financial gap that feels overwhelming.
You’re not alone.
The Hidden Scale of Aid Shortfalls
Most students discover their financial aid packages fall short of covering actual college expenses. The average gap between actual costs and awarded aid hits around $11,000 per year for undergraduate students. That’s $44,000 over four years—real money that requires a real solution.
But here’s the good news: Your first financial aid offer isn’t your final option.
The Appeal Process Most Families Skip
Fewer than 50% of families appeal their financial aid offer—even though it can be one of the easiest ways to increase your aid package. You should consider appealing your aid if:
- Your family’s financial situation has changed
- You’ve received better offers from other schools
- There are new or overlooked expenses not reflected in your FAFSA
It’s worth the effort. But even with a successful appeal, some gaps remain.
When You Still Need Additional Funding
That’s where private student loans come in. But not all loans are created equal. Most bank-based student loans require students to reapply every year—with new credit checks, new documentation, and new stress every semester.
There’s a better way.
A Smarter Approach: Education Line of Credit
With an education line of credit offered exclusively through participating Student Choice credit unions, you apply just once and get access to the funding you need for all four years of college.*
- No annual reapplication
- No repeated hard credit checks
- Borrow only what you need, when you need it
This line of credit gives you flexibility and peace of mind, letting you draw funds semester-by-semester, rather than locking you into a lump-sum loan you may not need.
*Subject to annual review and credit qualification. Must meet school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
Why Credit Unions Are Different
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial organizations—they exist to serve their members, not to maximize shareholder profit.
That mission shows up in:
- Lower interest rates
- Fewer fees
- Personalized, member-first service
Through the Student Choice credit union finder tool, you can explore real student loan offers from credit unions nationwide. Use the tool to check your options—without affecting your credit score.
Your Next Steps
- Start the appeal process if your aid offer falls short.
- Gather documentation to support your appeal.
- Explore private loan options from credit unions using our finder tool.
- Talk to your co-borrower (often a parent or guardian) early so you’re both ready to move forward.
Final Thought
A disappointing FAFSA letter doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It just means your college funding strategy needs a second step. By combining a financial aid appeal with a credit union-backed line of credit, you can build a smarter, more flexible way to pay for school.
Compare your private student loan options now and take the next step with confidence.
