Examples of Circumstances that May Be Considered

• A change in the income reported on the FAFSA due to :
  • parent (s), student now unemployed
  • parent (s), student has new lower earning job or now working part-time
  • parent (s), student are separated or have filed for divorce
• Medical expenses you (or your parent – if dependent) “paid” in 2010 that exceed 11% of parent adjusted gross income
• K-12 private school expenses for younger siblings of dependent students (maximum considered to reduce parent income is $7900 per child.
• Death of parent (or spouse if an independent student)
• Loss of financial aid you previously received due to federal or state regulatory changes.
• Request to increase the student’s cost of attendance (COA) due to:
  • special course expenses
  • disability expenses
  • one-time computer purchase
  • study abroad travel expenses
• Request to be considered as an independent student.

NOTE: Approval of an increase to the student cost of attendance (COA) may increase student or parent eligibility for federal or private loans or allow outside resources to be received without reducing existing financial aid awards. An increase to the COA will not result in additional institutional grant or scholarship aid to cover the expense.

You will be required to submit documentation in support of this change in financial circumstance. This can include parent (if applicable) and student tax returns and any additional forms or documentation to support your request.