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, 2023 - Some circumstances will require you to submit a 2023 tax return if you apply for Special Circumstance consideration after November 1, 2023
- April 21, 2024 - The final day to submit the 2023-2024 Special Circumstances application and supporting documents
2023-2024 Circumstance | Guidelines |
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Loss/Change in Employment |
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Student, parent, or spouse received public assistance, is a dislocated worker, or is a displaced homemaker |
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Parents or student/spouse are now divorced or separated Dependent student's parent is deceased Independent student's spouse is deceased |
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Unemployment benefits have ended |
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Expenses paid for private or parochial school in 2021 |
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High medical or dental expenses paid in 2022 |
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Child support received in 2022 has been reduced |
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Parent attended college during the 2022 calendar year |
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Other circumstances not listed |
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