The Financial Aid Office at Nazareth University realizes that students and their families experience unforeseen circumstances and/or expenses during an academic year. A financial aid appeal is a way for a student and their family to communicate with the Financial Aid Office about changes and circumstances that could not be reflected or explained on the FAFSA.
Special Circumstances are defined as changes in a student and/or parent’s financial circumstances.
Unusual Circumstances are defined as changes in a student’s dependency status.
Students who have questions regarding a Special or Unusual Circumstance are encouraged to call the Financial Aid Office at 585-389-2310, to speak with a member of our staff about possible appeal options based on their situation.
Examples of Special Circumstances:
Unusual Circumstances and Dependency Status:
All applicants for federal financial aid are considered either “dependent” or “independent” based on criteria set by the Department of Education . However, dependent students could be considered independent by the Financial Aid Office if there are unusual circumstances.
Unusual circumstances exist when there is an involuntary dissolution of a relationship between the student and their parent(s).
Examples of Unusual Circumstances can include:
Examples that are NOT considered Unusual Circumstances include:
All decisions regarding appeal requests are at the discretion of Nazareth University financial aid staff and cannot be appealed.