Financial Aid and Tuition Disputes

Congruence Law, P.C. Represents Students in Tuition Refunds, Billing Errors, and Aid Denials

A college education is one of the biggest investments a family can make—but when billing errors, unfair withdrawals, or financial aid mismanagement occur, students are often left footing a bill they never expected. Whether it’s a lost scholarship, a surprise tuition balance, or a denial of federal aid, these issues can threaten a student’s ability to stay enrolled and graduate.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we help students and families fight back against unjust tuition charges, improper aid denials, and predatory billing practices—because access to education shouldn’t come with hidden traps.

Common Financial Disputes We Handle

➤ Tuition charges after withdrawal or leave of absence

➤ Billing for courses dropped before the deadline

➤ Denial or loss of scholarships without proper notice or process

➤ Improperly applied late fees, collection referrals, or transcript holds

➤ Federal financial aid delays, errors, or SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) disputes

➤ Failure to apply disability accommodations to credit loads or aid eligibility

➤ Private or institutional loan confusion and misrepresentations

These issues can disproportionately affect first-generation, low-income, and disabled students, who may be unaware of their rights or fear retaliation for speaking up.

What Are Your Legal Rights?

Even at private institutions, students have important legal protections under:

• The Higher Education Act – Governs federal financial aid and student loan servicing

• State consumer protection laws – Prohibit deceptive or unfair billing practices

• Contract law – Enforces terms in handbooks, tuition agreements, and financial aid award letters

• FERPA and federal regulations – Control the release of financial aid records and the use of transcript holds

In many cases, colleges must follow their own published policies—and students can challenge decisions made in error or bad faith.

What We Do at Congruence Law, P.C.

We represent students dealing with financial aid or tuition-related legal issues across public and private colleges. Our services include:

• Disputing tuition charges or billing errors through appeals and administrative review

• Challenging loss of financial aid or scholarships due to improper notice, discrimination, or policy violations

• Filing state or federal complaints for unlawful debt collection or transcript withholding

• Negotiating tuition adjustments, debt forgiveness, or re-enrollment terms

• Advising on student loan repayment options, misrepresentations, and servicer misconduct

• Securing accommodations for students with disabilities to maintain aid eligibility

We also help students access their aid records, review account balances, and ensure colleges provide clear, truthful explanations for charges or aid changes.

What Schools Say—and Why It May Be Wrong

“The charges are final—there’s no appeal.”→ Most colleges offer formal or informal appeal processes—and failure to provide one may be unlawful.

“You didn’t withdraw in time.”→ We verify registration dates, withdrawal forms, and academic calendars to ensure compliance.

“The scholarship was conditional—we don’t need to explain.”→ Aid decisions often require clear notice, fairness, and consistency with published criteria.

“We can’t release your transcript until you pay.”→ Some states have banned transcript withholding for unpaid tuition. We can help enforce your rights.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming the bill is correct. Colleges make mistakes. Review your tuition and aid statements carefully.

• Failing to appeal in writing. Even if you're speaking to financial aid staff, always document your concerns.

• Letting fear prevent you from questioning charges. You have the right to transparency and fairness.

• Ignoring SAP warnings or academic probation. These can impact future eligibility—ask for support or appeal.

Why Choose Congruence Law, P.C.

We believe students deserve financial clarity, not confusion—and legal protections, not pressure. We stand up to colleges and loan servicers to ensure students are treated fairly and can stay on the path to graduation.

If you’re facing a financial aid crisis, tuition dispute, or unfair billing practice, contact us today:

education@congruencelaw.com or at 202-630-8141

Let us help you fight for every dollar you’re entitled to—and keep your academic future on track.