Appeal for Reconsideration

All requests for reconsideration of a need-based financial aid decision are carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis within our established guidelines for awarding need-based financial aid. Every effort is made to assist qualified students who fully document new or extenuating circumstances.

To provide some guidance, here are some of the most common reasons we may increase financial aid:

  • Significant decrease in current year income not reflected on your tax return
  • Prolonged unemployment of a parent or spouse
  • Unusually high or unexpected medical expenses paid
  • Receipt of a one-time income source reported on tax return

There is no guarantee that we will increase your financial aid. Many circumstances are taken into account automatically within the need analysis formula. However, we encourage you to consider appealing for reconsideration if net costs appear unmanageable. At a minimum, we may be able to recommend an affordable financing strategy to supplement your existing financial aid.

Appeal Timeline:

  • Academic Year Appeals – Complete appeal forms received before September 15th will be reviewed considering the full academic year.
  • Second Semester Appeals – Complete appeal forms received after September 15th will be reviewed for appeal funding beginning in the spring semester.

Priority Deadlines

  • First-year students starting in September, expect a reply by your enrollment deposit due date if your appeal is submitted by April 15.
  • Transfer students starting in September, expect a reply to your appeal before your fall semester bill is issued if your appeal is submitted by June 15.
  • Returning students, we will begin reviewing returning student appeals in mid-July.

Complete appeal forms received after your appeal deadline will be considered on a rolling basis.

Families who experience changes in financial circumstances after September 15th may submit a Request for Financial Aid Reconsideration for the spring semester, which is due by the first Monday of November.

Frequently Asked Questions