Scholarship Revocation Appeals — New Jersey Education Law Firm

A revoked scholarship can derail your academic future in an instant. One disciplinary complaint, GPA drop, or vague “misconduct” allegation can cost you thousands in aid — sometimes without warning. If you’ve been told your scholarship is being suspended or canceled, you have the right to fight back.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent students across New Jersey in scholarship revocation appeals at the college, graduate, and K–12 private school levels. Whether your award was merit-based, athletic, need-based, or part of a university honors program, we step in to defend your aid — and your future.

In many cases, we can also assist students outside New Jersey, especially when scholarship loss is tied to academic discipline, Title IX findings, or due process violations.

Why Are Scholarships Revoked?

Common reasons include:

• Academic probation or failure to meet GPA minimums
• Allegations of plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty
• Violations of university codes of conduct
• Title IX findings or pending investigations
• Arrests or off-campus conduct the school deems “unprofessional”
• Changing major or transferring programs
• Loss of eligibility tied to housing, attendance, or full-time status

Unfortunately, many students never get a formal hearing. They simply receive an email or letter saying: “Your scholarship has been rescinded.”

We take immediate legal action to appeal revocations, challenge false accusations, and negotiate reinstatement where possible.

Types of Scholarships We Defend

We represent students facing scholarship loss in programs such as:

• Merit-based aid (Presidential, Trustee, and Dean’s scholarships)
• Athletic scholarships governed by NCAA regulations
• State-funded aid programs, including NJ STARS and EOF
• Private donor or foundation scholarships
• Institutional need-based or honors program funding
• Graduate fellowships, stipends, and research assistantships
• K–12 private and charter school tuition scholarships

Whether your award was tied to academics, athletics, or your family’s financial need, we fight to keep you enrolled and financially supported.

Why You Need a Lawyer in a Scholarship Appeal

Schools rarely follow fair procedures when pulling aid. In many cases, students are:

• Not informed of their right to appeal
• Denied access to the underlying documentation
• Punished based on unresolved allegations or rumors
• Told there is “no appeal” when that’s not true
• Referred to disciplinary panels without representation

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we:

• Review the scholarship agreement and eligibility terms
• Respond to misconduct allegations affecting financial aid
• Prepare written appeals and hearing strategy
• Push for reinstatement or alternative aid packages
• File legal actions if schools breach contract or violate due process

In high-value or donor-funded awards, we may also challenge vague morality clauses, unequal enforcement, or discriminatory decision-making.

When Scholarship Loss Affects More Than Tuition

Losing a scholarship doesn’t just impact your tuition — it can also result in:

• Immediate loss of housing or meal plans
• Inability to register or attend classes
• Loss of student visa status for international students
• Falling below required full-time status
• Parental financial liability for entire tuition balance

For students in professional or graduate programs, scholarship loss can also delay graduation or jeopardize licensure, particularly in medical, nursing, law, or education tracks.

We work to minimize fallout — and restore your academic standing as fast as possible.

Act Now — Deadlines for Scholarship Appeals Are Short

Most scholarship appeals must be filed within 5–10 business days of receiving notice. In some cases, failing to respond immediately may waive your right to appeal or reapply.

If your scholarship has been suspended, revoked, or put “under review,” don’t wait.

Call Ratliff Jackson LLP at 856-209-3111 or contact us confidentially online. We represent students throughout New Jersey — and, under appropriate circumstances, nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarship Revocations

Can a school take away my scholarship without warning?

In many cases, yes — but they must follow their own published policies and provide an opportunity to appeal. If they don’t, they may be violating your rights.

Can I appeal a scholarship loss due to grades?

Yes. If there were medical, personal, or disability-related reasons for academic struggles, or if GPA calculations were incorrect, we may be able to reverse or reduce the sanction.

I lost my scholarship after a Title IX finding — can I fight that?

Absolutely. We frequently represent students facing parallel disciplinary and financial aid consequences. If the underlying process was unfair, we may be able to challenge both the finding and the financial penalty.

What happens if I lose my scholarship and can’t pay?

You could face forced withdrawal, collection actions, or loss of housing and enrollment status. We help negotiate payment options, reinstatement pathways, or alternative aid options.

Do I need a lawyer just for a scholarship appeal?

Yes — especially if the loss is tied to a disciplinary issue, involves more than $5,000 in aid, or affects your academic standing. Schools treat these cases as internal — we level the playing field.