Professional Judgment
We understand that students and families may experience financial changes that are not reflected on the FAFSA. In these instances, a student may submit documentation for a professional judgment review.
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.
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.
Anderson-Werkman Center100 East 8th StreetSuite 230Holland, MI 49423
workP. 616.395.7765
finaid@hope.edu