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
Review the guidelines below before submitting the Special Circumstance application. There are separate applications for Dependent students and Independent students.
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. 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
- November 1, 2022 - Some circumstances will require you to submit a 2022 tax return if you apply for Special Circumstance consideration after November 1, 2022
- April 21, 2023 - The final day to submit the 2022-2023 Special Circumstances application and supporting documents
2022-2023 Circumstance | Guidelines |
---|---|
Loss/Change in Employment |
|
Student, parent, or spouse received public assistance, is a dislocated worker, or is a displaced homemaker |
|
Parents or student/spouse are now divorced or separated Dependent student's parent is deceased Independent student's spouse is deceased |
|
Unemployment benefits have ended |
|
Expenses paid for private or parochial school in 2021 |
|
High medical or dental expenses paid in 2021 |
|
Child support received in 2020 has been reduced |
|
Parent attended college during the 2021 calendar year |
|
Other circumstances not listed |
|
2021-2022 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 |
|
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 |
|