Financial Aid Home





Calendar

MAY 9  
 

Last day to apply for a PLUS Loan for students enrolled Spring

MAY 12
 

Last day to work Spring work study

Unusual Circumstances

The Office of Financial Aid has the ability to review your family’s unusual circumstances when determining how much financial aid you may be eligible for. There are two different appeal processes:

Professional Judgment

If you or your family has experienced a recent hardship that is not reflected on your current FAFSA form, such as loss of income or unusually high medical expenses, you may request a reevaluation of your financial aid eligibility. Students may also request an increase to their cost of attendance for unusual expenses they may have during the academic year, such as purchasing a new computer, or book and supplies that exceed the budgeted amount. To begin the appeal process, complete the Professional Judgment Appeal Form.

Dependency Override

For financial aid purposes, a student is considered a dependent of their parents unless the student is:

  • 24 years old
  • married
  • serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces
  • a veteran
  • a parent with dependents
  • an emancipated minor
  • homeless
  • assigned a legal guardian before the age of 18

If you have an unusual circumstance such as an abusive family environment, abandonment, incarceration of a parent, etc., you may appeal to be independent of your parents. You may also request limited financial aid if your parents simply refuse to provide their information on the FAFSA. To begin the appeal process, complete the Statement of No Parental Information.

Response times vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the time of year. We will make every effort to respond as promptly as possible.