Unusual Circumstances Form

Name*

First NameLast Name

Student ID Number*

7 digit number

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

This form allows you to request special consideration of your student status for financial aid purposes. Although you do not meet the requirements to be considered independent, you believe your particular circumstance warrants further evaluation.

Am I an independent student?

You should be aware that you are not automatically independent for financial aid purposes simply because your parents stop claiming you as a tax exemption or refuse to give you support for your college education. By federal law, the unwillingness, inability, or reluctance of parents to help pay for your education cost does not make you independent.

Nearly all student aid programs are based on the premise that students and their parents have the primary responsibility for paying for the student's postsecondary education. Students whose parents could provide support should not receive need-based funds at the expense of students whose parents are not able to provide such support. Students should expect support from their own families before they expect it from the general public (taxpayers).

The federal methodology assumes that the primary responsibility for paying for college costs rests with the family. Federal regulations permit the college to exercise professional judgement in determining if unusual or extenuating circumstances can be documented to consider you independent for federal and state financial aid purposes. Your decision not to accept assistance from your parents or your parents' decision not to provide assistance for you is never adequate reason for a change in dependency status.

The Student Financial Aid Office can change your status if your circumstances and
documentation justify doing so, but is not required to grant your request. The decision of the Student Financial Aid Office is final; the U.S. Department of Education does not consider appeals to change dependency status.

Please write a detailed, chronological statement that clearly explains your unique and/or special family circumstance.*

Category*

Estrangement from parents: You must request three witnesses familiar with your financial resources and your family and living arrangements to affirm the situation is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. The witnesses must be your teacher, minister, lawyer, physician, counselor, employer, or other professional person who is not related and who will be willing to verify your status upon request. Their statement must be printed on their professional letterhead stationary. They must submit the form to the financial aid office separately.Previously married, now divorced/widowed: Please provide a copy of a divorce decree or death certificate and a statement explaining why you believe you should be considered independent.Other circumstances to be evaluated as self-supporting: You must submit your reason(s) (if not listed in one of the above categories) in written form with documentation to support your statement.

Please upload documentation below

Certification Statement: Student Signature Required

I certify that this information is true and complete. If I cannot provide the appropriate required documentation to support an independent status, I understand that I will be evaluated as a "dependent" student and required to provide my parent(s)' income and asset information when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Date*

Date

Signature*