Special Circumstances

Students who have experienced a significant change in financial circumstances from what is reflected on their FAFSA may be eligible for a Special Circumstance Evaluation. Special Circumstance appeals are not an appeal for more institutional funding. Rather, they demonstrate a change in circumstance from the FAFSA income and family reporting that may impact federal aid eligibility. It is important to note that while such changes may seem severe and impactful to students and families, they may not always result in a change to federal aid eligibility. Special Circumstance Appeal forms are not available without a preliminary consultation with a financial aid counselor.

If you or your parent (dependent students) have experienced any of the following, you may be eligible for an evaluation:

1. Loss of employment
2. Permanent wage reduction
3. Death or divorce of a parent (dependent students) or a spouse (independent students) after filing the FAFSA

The following will NOT be considered:

1. One-time capital gains or IRA distributions or one-time severance pay.
2. Capital gains resulting from early withdrawal of retirement funds.
3. Loss of or fluctuations in overtime or commission.
4. Medical expenses (11% of the FAFSA income protection allowance is already designated for medical expenses after insurance. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those exceeding the allowance.)
5. Expenses related to a parent who has returned to college.
6. Adjustments for household number in college.
7. Loss of or adjustments to child support paid or received.
8. Loss of windfall income such as lottery, gambling, or bonus income.
9. Personal expenses such as bankruptcy, credit-card bills, private-school tuition, home mortgage, school loan payments, car payments, or other miscellaneous consumer expenses.

If you feel you have a qualifying circumstance, please contact the Financial Aid Office to request a preliminary evaluation.

The Financial Aid Office staff will request supporting documentation, including but not limited to: tax returns, W-2 forms, pay statements, bank statements, letters from employers, unemployment compensation statements, court documents and death certificates.

Contact the Financial Aid Office at xufinaid@xavier.edu or 513-745-3142.