Special Circumstances
The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses the prior prior tax return year to estimate a family’s financial situation to assist in the determination of specific types of financial aid. However, a family may be experiencing a current hardship or unusual circumstance which is not reflected on the FAFSA. Therefore, the Financial Aid Office can review these circumstances on a case-by-case basis to analyze if this would create a change in the student’s eligibility for financial aid.
Types of Special Circumstances:
- Loss of employment
- Change in employment
- Change in or loss of unemployment benefits
- IRA conversion from regular IRA to Roth IRA
- Separation/divorce
- Death of parent or spouse whose info was reported on FAFSA
Other situations that can be considered (for a re-evaluation of a student's Cost of Attendance):
- High Cost Tuition programs
- Unusually high medical or dental costs recently incurred
- Transportation costs (based on mileage) that exceed $2000 for the year
Circumstances which do not warrant a review include unusual credit card debt, high living expenses, private secondary school educational costs, or parent’s refusal to pay for college.
To complete a screening form for a Special Circumstance, click here.
After the form is completed, a Financial Aid Advisor will review and will communicate via your student email with any additional questions or next steps. If we are able to move forward with your request, a form and supporting documentation will be required.
If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.