If you or your family have recently experienced an unexpected circumstance or hardship that may not be reflected on your FAFSA information, then our office may be able to help! Review the information below and complete one of the relevant forms related to your circumstances and submit it to our office for review.
Special circumstances refer to unique financial situations that may impact your eligibility for federal student aid during the academic year. If you experience any of these situations listed below, you may request to have a financial aid administrator to review your case and determine if an adjustment can be made to the data used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) or your cost of attendance.
| Situation | Circumstance |
|---|---|
| Separation, divorce or death | The situation must have occurred after the FAFSA was filed. |
| Reduction of income | Expected income has changed due to unemployment, reduced wages or a change in untaxed income and benefits. Adjustments will usually not be made for the dependent student who has experienced a loss in his or her income. |
| Unusual medical or dental expenses | Unusual medical or dental expenses incurred that are not covered by insurance and are in excess of 11% of the reported Adjusted Gross Income for tax year used on the FAFSA. |
| Elementary or secondary tuition | Elementary or secondary school tuition paid for dependent children. |
| Childcare expense | Childcare paid for dependent children. |
| Repairs to student's vehicle | Repairs to student’s vehicle made during the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. |
| Required books or supplies | Books and supplies exceeding the standard allowance. |
| Personal computer purchase |
Computer/tablet purchase for educational use. The cost of the computer/tablet (including printer and software) cannot exceed $1,500 unless the student’s academic unit sends documentation supporting the student’s need for equipment that warrants additional costs. **Read our Personal Computer Policy (PDF). |
Unusual circumstances refer to extenuating circumstances which might warrant re-evaluation of your dependency status on the FAFSA. Its important to note that most undergraduate students will be considered a dependent of their parent(s) and will be required to submit a FAFSA with their parents information.
If you feel there are extenuating circumstances that might warrant reevaluation of your dependency status, such as an abusive family environment, abandonment, incarceration of a parent, etc., then you may file an Unusual Circumstances Form. Note that you may be asked for additional documentation depending on your individual situation.
You may request an adjustment to your Cost of Attendance to help cover the additional costs of your Study Abroad program. Contact our office after you have been accepted into a Study Abroad program.
