Professional Judgment

Special Circumstances

If you have a reduction in income from the tax year reported on the FAFSA, you may ask for a review of your financial situation. Examples of special circumstances include income loss due to employment changes, death of parent or divorce/separation after filing the FAFSA. Each request is reviewed on a case by case basis. 

• If you have a special circumstance you may submit the appropriate form and supporting documentation for review. Requests for special circumstances will be reviewed after you have received your initial financial aid notice. Contact our office to discuss your situation and your next steps. 

Unusual Circumstances

Unusual circumstances are when a student is unable to contact a parent or where contact with the parent poses a risk to the student. Examples of unusual circumstances include human trafficking, legally granted refugee or asylum status, parental abandonment or estrangement, and student or parental incarceration.

• Students with unusual circumstances will be granted provisional independent status and can complete the FAFSA form without providing parental information.
• A financial aid administrator will make the final determination of a student’s unusual circumstances based on the information and documentation that the student submits to the school.
• If a school approves a student’s unusual circumstances, their independent student status will remain as long as the student stays at the same school and their circumstances don’t change.