Professional Judgement and Unusual Circumstances

Students submitting requests to have their dependency status changed from dependent to independent are required to submit documentation that clearly indicates extenuating circumstances with the students and parental relationship.  Students who were raised by family members other than their parents would also be considered for a dependency override.  Documentation must be verifiable.  Support letters should come from “independent” sources not associated with the student—such as a counselor, teacher, medical professional, social worker, or religious leader.  All documentation needs to have contact information from the individual writing the letter—including their address and phone number(s). 

Unusual Circumstances Include:

• Human trafficking, as described in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.)
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status.
• Parental abandonment or estrangement.
• Student or parental incarceration.

Unusual Circumstances Do Not Include:

• Parents refuse to contribute to the student's education.
• Parents will not provide information for the FAFSA or verification.
• Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes.
• A student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

Contact the Financial Aid Office if there has been a significant change in your or your parent(s) income since the income year you reported on your financial aid application.  You may appeal to have your financial aid eligibility re-evaluated. If the Financial Aid Office approves your appeal, corrections will be made that may result in an increase in your Pell Grant award. 

• Loss of Employment
• Job Change
• Reduction in work hours
• Discharge from Active Duty
• Loss of benefits
• Unexpected medical expenses
• Parent passing away(if dependent)
• Retirement/early withdrawal of retirement
• Divorce

Students should avoid updating income or asset information to reflect changes to their family's financial situation if those changes took place after the FAFSA or Dream Act Application was filed. If you make corrections, it can delay the process. 

You may request an appeal to your cost of attendance if you incur educational expenses greater than our standard cost of attendance or budget. If approved, increasing your cost of attendance may increase your eligibility for federal or private loans or outside resources you may receive.

• The purchase of a personal computer needed for school
• Living expenses (food and housing) beyond your estimated cost of attendance
• Auto repairs expenses for your vehicle
• Other expenses