Purpose: To provide consistent decisions for student applications concerning special circumstances, which may or may not affect the student’s eligibility for federal or state financial aid.
Examples of Special Circumstances are as follows:
- Unusual medical and dental expenses (expenses which exceed 7.5% of adjusted Gross income)
- Support of extended family
- Income reduction or non-recurring income
- Divorce or death of parent
- Dependency Status
Forms
Dependency Override: Many students feel they are independent because they currently live on their own or because their parents no longer claim them on their income taxes. Others feel they should be considered independent because their parents refuse to provide information on the FAFSA or because their parents cannot afford to help with college expenses. However, these reasons are not sufficient for an appeal. The Financial Aid Office is required to consider parent information and expect a parental contribution for students who are not independent according to the above FAFSA definition unless exceptions are made. Exceptions are made only when adequate documentation of extenuating circumstances exists. Extenuating circumstances are generally defined by student’s inability to have contact with their parents. Review the reasons for appeal below and check the one that best describes your circumstances. If none of these circumstances apply to your situation, do not complete this form.
Form
