Changes in Circumstances

Some families experience an unexpected change to their household income during the course of an academic year after the completion of their financial aid application. We allow appeals of a student's financial aid package based upon a review of submitted documentation and funding limits. Some common occurrences that can cause a change to household include:

• Loss of employment for 10 weeks or longer
• Reduction in salary or wages
• Medical expenses that are not covered by insurance
• Uninsured losses or funeral expenses
• Catastrophic property damage
• Recent change in marital status

Students or parents may appeal by submitting an Appeal Form for the appropriate academic year. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing.

Graduate students who would like to appeal their Cost of Attendance can do so by submitting a signed letter to the Appeals Committee outlining their special circumstances. This letter must be accompanied by the applicable official documentation outlined below, as well as a new Supplemental Graduate Loan Questionnaire indicating the additional amount they would like to apply for. Keep in mind that if additional Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or private alternative loan funds are being requested, a new PLUS Request process or application with the lender must be completed.

Circumstances that can be appealed are:

• A new/replacement computer purchase of up to $1,500 once per degree.  A copy of the purchase receipt is submitted with the appeal letter.
• Childcare expenses for times when the student is engaged in academic activities. Documentation should be in the form of an invoice or official statement of payment due on your provider’s letterhead.
• Expenses related to Study Abroad. A letter from the student’s study aboard program detailing billable and non-billable costs is to be included with the appeal letter.
• Unreimbursed medical or dental expenses. Copies of all amounts due after insurance payments are made to the medical provider are to be included with the appeal letter.
• Health Insurance premiums over $325 per month. Documentation showing the amount paid with dates of enrollment in the insurance plan. This amount will be prorated for the number of months in the student’s loan period.
• Other special circumstances related to the student’s academic activities. The student should provide documentation which supports their reason for appealing.