Special or unusual circumstances

Financial aid administrators have the discretion to make adjustments to a student's FAFSA based on special or unusual circumstances. Determinations for adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis; supporting documentation is required. A review of a student's information is not a guarantee that an adjustment will be made.

Special circumstances include changes to financial situations such as job loss, wage reduction, retirement, death of a parent (after the FAFSA is filed) or divorce/separation of parents (after the FAFSA is filed). Other special circumstances that may be considered include excessive medical/dental expenses or private elementary/secondary tuition paid for a student's younger siblings.

Unusual circumstances are situations that may warrant a change in a student's dependency status on the FAFSA. These situations include but are not limited to parental abandonment, incarceration, abuse and human trafficking.

A determination of independence may also be made for a student who is an unaccompanied youth who is either homeless or is self-supporting and at risk of being homeless. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you think you have a special and/or an unusual circumstance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@augustana.edu or 309-794-7207 to request specific forms to address your situation.