Special Circumstances - Changes to Financial Situation

The financial aid office has the ability to update the information on the FAFSA if the data listed no longer reflects a student or family’s current financial circumstances. The FAFSA uses income levels as part of its calculation, and this calculation determines if the student meets the federal criteria of being high-need for any grant funding. For this reason, changes in income may not result in a change in eligibility for federal aid. For special circumstances such as the loss of a job or a large reduction in income, please review the following information to determine next steps:

2026–27 FAFSA

The FAFSA for 2026–27 uses income information from 2024. If you believe that your 2025 income or 2026 income is a more accurate representation of your circumstances, please submit the following information to our secure portal once you complete the appropriate form below:

Actual 2025 Income:

  • After February 1, 2026, please document actual income from 2025 using the Special Circumstance Request for Parent(s) and Student - 2025 Tax Information Form (Dependent Student). This form will become available after February 1, 2026, and you may complete it only after filing your 2025 federal tax return with the IRS, if required to file.
    • Use if you were required to provide your parent's information on the 2026–27 FAFSA
  • After February 1, 2026, please document actual income from 2025 using the Special Circumstance Request for Independent Student - 2025 Tax Information Form (Independent Student). This form will become available after February 1, 2026, and you may complete it only after filing your 2025 federal tax return with the IRS, if required to file.
    • Use if you were required to provide only your and, if you are married, your spouse's information on the 2026–27 FAFSA

or

Projected 2026 Income:

After July 1, 2026, please document projected income from 2026 using either:

  • The Special Circumstances Request for Parent(s) and Student - 2026 Projected Income Form (Dependent Student). This form will become available after July 1, 2026, and will allow you to provide year-to-date income documentation (limited exceptions may exist to submit earlier, please contact our office to discuss).
    • Use if you were required to provide your parent's information on the 2026–27 FAFSA
  • Special Circumstances Request for Independent Student - 2026 Projected Income Form (Independent Student). This form will become available after July 1, 2026.
    • Use if you were required to provide only your and, if you are married, your spouse's information on the 2026–27 FAFSA

2025-26 FAFSA

The FAFSA for 2025-26 uses income information from 2023. If you believe that your 2024 income or 2025 income is a more accurate representation of your circumstances, please submit the following information to our secure portal once you complete the appropriate form below:

Actual 2024 Income:

or

Projected 2025 Income:

Document projected income from 2025 using either: