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