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Special Cases

Special Circumstances Review 

While financial aid is calculated based on family income from two years prior, we recognize that family circumstances may change unexpectedly, which can impact a family's ability to contribute towards educational expenses.

You may request a review of your family's special circumstances by completing the Special Circumstances Review Request form for the academic year impacted.

Generally, this review is for the purpose of decreasing a family's Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which may result in increased eligibility for need-based grants and loans. If a student's SAI (before review) is $0 (or negative), there can be no further adjustments that would result in additional financial aid eligibility.

Circumstances considered may include, but are not limited to:

• Significant loss in income due to loss of or change in employment
• One-time/non-recurring income 
• Unreimbursed medical/disability expenses
• Change in marital status 

Circumstances that will not be considered include, but are not limited to:

• Matching financial aid eligibility from other universities or colleges 
• Student or parent(s) who does not wish to borrow to cover educational expenses 
• Parent(s) refusal to contribute to educational expenses
• Parent(s) payment of student loans for older sibling 
• Expenses such as credit card debt, wedding expenses, sports, enrichment activities, etc. 

 

Unusual Circumstances Review 

While many college students are 18 years or older and may be financially independent, federal student aid regulations may still classify them as dependent. When completing the FAFSA, a series of questions determines a student’s dependency status. For dependent students, the U.S. Department of Education requires parental information to be included on the FAFSA, in accordance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and Section 480(d) of the Higher Education Act.

We understand that some situations may prevent students from obtaining parental information or may warrant a change in dependency status. If this applies to you, you may request a review of your circumstances by completing an Unusual Circumstance Review Request.

This review process is designed to assess whether a student’s dependency status should be changed to independent due to specific mitigating circumstances. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

Circumstances considered may include, but are not limited to: 

• Orphan, ward of the court, foster care status
• Emancipated minor status
• Legal guardianship 
• Parental abandonment or estrangement

Circumstances that will not be considered include, but are not limited to: 

• The student is over 18 years of age
• The student does not live with their parent(s) 
• The student or parent(s) choose not to borrow for educational expenses 
• Parental refusal to contribute to educational expenses 
• Parental payment of student loans for an older sibling 
• Parental refusal to provide information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

If you believe your circumstances warrant a review, we encourage you to complete either Circumstance Review Request that fits your circumstances best. Our team is here to assist you through this process and ensure that your financial aid status accurately reflects your situation.

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