Re-evaluating Special Circumstances

Re-evaluating Special Circumstances

Although the process of determining a students eligibility for federal student aid is basically the same for all applicants, there is some flexibility. For instance, if your financial aid administrator believes it's appropriate, based on the documentation you provided, he or she can change your status from dependent to independent. Parents refusing or unwilling to contribute to a student's education or students that demonstrate total self-sufficiency does not qualify a student as Independent.

In some cases, your financial aid administrator may adjust your cost of attendance or the information used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to take into account circumstances that might affect the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education.

These circumstances could include a family's unusually high medical or dental expenses, not covered by insurance. Also, if you, your spouse, or either of your parents (if applicable) have been recently unemployed, due to circumstances beyond your control. If conditions such as these apply to you or your family, contact the Yavapai College Financial Aid Office to obtain the appropriate forms for re-evaluation.

There have to be very good reasons for the financial aid administrator to make any adjustments, and you'll have to provide adequate proof to support those adjustments. Also, the financial aid administrator's decision is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.