Special Circumstances That May Affect Financial Aid
There are certain "special circumstances" which may aff ect a student's financial aid eligibility that do not fall under the normal categories provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If your circumstances meet any of the conditions below, write a letter explaining YOUR "special circumstance" and submit it to our office. Your letter requesting special consideration will be reviewed and you will be notified of what further action, if any, to take. You WILL be required to complete a Special Circumstances Form and provide documentation to prove your special circumstance is valid.
Situations Affecting the Income Reported on the Original FAFSA
- Loss of family income/benefits (student and/or parent). This is NOT for families who have a loss of income from a business, partnership, S-Corp, or sole proprietorship - a federal tax return must be provided, when it is filed, before an appeal can be made.
- Adjustment for medical and/or dental expenses, which were paid but not covered by insurance, and will not be covered by insurance in the future.
- Personal bankruptcy that occurs during the current aid year.
- Parent/Student who is widowed/separated/divorced since the FAFSA was filed.
- Other individual unusual situations reviewed and approved by the Associate Director or Director of Financial Aid.
Situations Affecting the Student's Cost of Attendance Budget
- Additional transportation expenses for students residing in states other than New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.
- Additional educational related expenses due to a disability or unexpected medical cost.
- Anticipated childcare expenses required to attend classes.
- Additional expenses for required research, internship or field study.
- Additional room charges, beyond standard charge, when increase in charges is not due to choice of student
- Other reasonable and related educational expenses reviewed and approved by the Associate Director or Director of Financial Aid.
