Special Circumstances | Undergraduate Student Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office recognizes that families may have special or unique circumstances that affect their ability to contribute to educational expenses. Families may appeal their eligibility for need-based financial aid by providing a written explanation of their financial circumstances, along with supporting documentation.

Examples of circumstances that can be considered:

• Loss of income
• Unemployment
• Reduction/elimination of child support, unemployment compensation, Social Security benefits, etc.
• Separation or divorce after the FAFSA is filed
• Non-discretionary expenses
• Unreimbursed medical expenses
• Private elementary and secondary school expenses for siblings

Examples of circumstances that cannot be considered:

• Student or parent credit card debt
• Mortgage or car payments
• Parental unwillingness to support educational expenses
• Geographical cost of living differences