MSU'S Office of Student Financial Aid aims to address all students' financial needs. To the extent allowed we will consider life changes which render the information on your Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) inaccurate (e.g., a recent and significant loss of income). Special circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with the judgment of the administration serving as the final decision.
Special Circumstance Guidelines
Submitting a Special Circumstance application does not guarantee any change of your financial aid award. Because of this, you are responsible for your MSU account balance. If your FAFSA is selected for Verification, you must complete this process before your special circumstance will be considered.
Students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 may not submit a Special Circumstance application, as no aid increases can be made.
Use the table below to determine your particular circumstance. Action will be taken when the Office of Student Financial Aid receives all requested documentation, supporting summaries, and a complete and signed Special Circumstance Worksheet. To help with processing, please write the students BearPass Number on all submitted documents.
Important dates
- April 2, 2021 - The final day to submit the 2020-2021 Special Circumstances application and supporting documents
- November 1, 2021 - Some circumstances will require you to submit a 2021 tax return if you apply for Special Circumstance consideration after November 1, 2021
- April 1, 2022 - The final day to submit the 2021-2022 Special Circumstances application and supporting documents
Circumstance |
Guidelines |
---|---|
Expenses student or parent paid in 2020 for private or parochial school |
|
Medical or dental expenses
|
|
Child support payments received have ended or been reduced in 2021 |
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Unemployment benefits
|
|
Student or Parent on FAFSA divorced or separated |
|
Spouse or Parent on FAFSA deceased |
|
Loss/Change in Employment |
|
Other circumstance |
Any circumstance not listed that will cause 2020 or 2021 taxed/untaxed income to be significantly less than 2019 income reported on the FAFSA.. Consideration will NOT be given for:
|
Parent attended college |
|