Special Circumstances

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires the applicant to report income for the prior calendar year. For the 2010-2011 academic year, 2009 income is reported.   However in some circumstances the prior year information may not accurately reflect the family's current status.  If your family's financial situation has changed for the worse, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your situation. Some examples of special circumstances considered in the past include:

• Loss of employment,
• Change in marital status because of divorce, separation, or death,
• loss of untaxed income or benefits, or
• medical expenses not covered by insurance.

For audit purposes you will be asked to document your situation and complete the Special Circumstances Request form. Documentation may include:

• Supporting paperwork (examples might include a termination letter, wage stubs, or medical bills), and
• copies of federal tax returns and W2s for the previous tax year.

The Financial Aid Office cannot guarantee that financial aid will be in place by the date tuition and fees are due if you do not submit all requested information and supplemental forms by the priority process dates.