Unusual Circumstance

We may grant a dependency override on a case-by-case basis for students with unusual circumstances. Federal regulations strictly prohibit a dependency override because of one or more of these factors:

1. your parent(s) refuse to contribute to your education,
2. your parent(s) are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification,
3. your parent(s) do not claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes, and/or
4. you demonstrate total self-sufficiency (i.e., you financially support yourself).

Unusual circumstances do include (and may cause any of the aforementioned conditions):

1. abandonment by your parents,
2. an abusive family environment that threatens your health or safety, and/or
3. your inability to locate your parent(s).

In such cases an override might be warranted.

If we determine that an override is appropriate, we must justify that determination and retain it along with your supporting documentation.

Documentation is critical to the dependency override process. The documentation, in almost all cases, should originate from a third party with knowledge of your unusual circumstances.

A third party that knows your situation (e.g., a teacher, counselor, medical professional, member of the clergy, corrections officer, social worker, or court liaison) should corroborate the unusual circumstances. Evidence can be a signed letter or an official document, such as a court order. If third party documentation is not available, we may accept a signed and dated statement from the student or a family member detailing the unusual circumstances.

Unless conflicting information is submitted on the FAFSA, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will reaffirm your Dependency status for subsequent years enrolled. 

If you feel you have an unusual circumstance, please contact our office for details related to filing an appeal. 

*Dependency Overrides must be completed before the end of the academic year or the student ceases to be enrolled and loses eligibility as defined by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid.