Students/Parents complete the FAFSA which uses the prior year's income as a "snap shot" of their financial strength. The "snap shot" of the prior year is assumed to be a good estimate of the financial strength for the current year but sometimes the current year is better due to exceptional circumstances.

In those cases the financial aid office can recalculate financial aid eligibility based on a current year estimate. Examples of exceptional circumstances include death or unemployment of a parent/spouse, divorce/separation, and exceptional medical costs beyond your control.

The financial aid office will review each case individually with appropriate documentation. A professional judgment request form should be completed in these events. Sometimes an exceptional circumstance occurs and the parent/students estimated current year income exceeds their prior year income - sometimes you have received the maximum award already and an appeal will not result in additional assistance - if your Expected Family Contribution is 0 you would have been awarded the maximum already - so be careful what you are appealing.