Special Circumstances (EFC Appeal)

A financial aid administrator may adjust an individual family contribution if the administrator believes the family's financial circumstances warrant. The financial aid administrator will not automatically make these adjustments, there must be valid, substantiated reasons for the adjustment.

Please Note: If parent information is required on the FAFSA, a contribution adjustment can only be made to the parent(s) income and/or assets. If the change in financial situation applies to the dependent student's income/assets, contact a financial aid administrator to discuss possible options.

If your family’s 2013 income will be equal to or greater than the 2012 income, do not complete the Contribution Adjustment form. Contact a financial aid administrator to discuss possible options.

If you qualify for a contribution adjustment, the Contribution Adjustment Form (completed front and back), along with a written explanation of your situation, must be submitted to the Student Financial Aid Office. An administrator will review your request for reconsideration. Once all documentation/information is received, normal processing time for a contribution adjustment is 15-30 working days. The student will receive an email notification to their U-Mail account if the student's awards are revised.

Additional documentation or information may be requested. Examples of documentation include (depending on your situation): tax returns, written statements listing types and amounts of income or resources, a copy of a letter of termination, copies of private tuition payments, statements from counselors, clergy or social workers, statements from accountants or bankers, marriage certificates or divorce decrees. Documentation is necessary in a student's file to support the administrator’s decision and provide a history of the circumstance for an audit or program review.

Some examples of situations which may qualify for an adjustment include: loss or reduction in income; private secondary education tuition payments; decrease in asset equity; maintaining two separate households.

Information on how to determine dependency status.

Academic Year 2012-13:

2012-13 Contribution Adjustment Form - Dependent Student

2012-13 Contribution Adjustment Form - Independent Student

Academic Year 2013-14:

2013-14 Contribution Adjustment Form - Dependent Student

2013-14 Contribution Adjustment Form - Independent Student