91ԭƬ

• Applicable only to dependent students who have not previously been granted an approved Appeal for Independent Status at the 91ԭƬ.
• Instances where a dependent student (based on 91ԭƬ criteria, not taxes) believes they should be classified as independent. Students must be able to demonstrate that it is either impossible to obtain parent financial information or that it is unsafe to do so.
• Required documentation
  • Appeal for Independent Status form, signed and dated
  • Personal Statement as outlined on the form
  • Two Third-Party Statements as outlined on the form
  • A V-1 Independent Verification Worksheet, including all tax data for the applicable aid year as noted in section 2 of the verification worksheet

• Since the 91ԭƬ uses two years prior tax data (e.g., the 2023-24 91ԭƬ uses 2021 tax information and 2024-25 91ԭƬ uses 2022 tax information) to calculate estimated family contribution (EFC) for 2023-24 and student aid index (SAI) for 2024-25, students whose financial situation or household has changed due to income change, job loss, death, divorce or extraordinary expenses/situations can request a professional judgement to re-evaluate your financial aid eligibility.
• Required documentation
  • • Re-Evaluation Form, signed and dated by all required parties
    • A brief, detailed letter explaining the reason for re-evaluation
    • Applicable Tax Documents
      • Signed IRS 1040 Form (2 pages) for applicable tax year
      • IRS Schedules 1,2,3 and/or C, if applicable
      • All W2’s for applicable tax year

Required documents:

If your income reduction is reflected on your 2025 tax returns please provide an official 2025 Tax Return Transcript, OR a physically signed copy of your 2025 IRS 1040 form, AND Schedules 1, 3, and C (schedules as applicable).

OR

If your income reduction is reflected on your 2026 tax returns please provide an official 2026 Tax Return Transcript, OR a physically signed copy of your 2026 IRS 1040 form, AND Schedules 1, 3, and C (schedules as applicable).

OR

If the income loss was recent and a filed tax return is not available, please provide documentation of termination, reduction of employment or retirement. Please provide your final paystub reflecting YTD (Year-To-Date) earnings.

Instances where a students’ or parent’s marital status has changed after 91ԭƬ was filed.

Required Documents:

1. Copy of marriage certificate.
2. Official 2024 Tax Return Transcript, OR a physically signed copy of 2024 IRS 1040 form, AND Schedules 1 and / or 3 and C (schedules as applicable) from the student and spouse.

• Applicable only to 2024-25 91ԭƬ
• Instances where a student or parent household size has changed due to a birth of a child after 91ԭƬ was filed
• Required documentation
  • Special Circumstances form, completed, signed, and dated by all required parties
  • A Brief, detailed letter explaining the circumstances
  • A V-1 Verification Worksheet, Independent or Dependent version as applicable, including all tax data for the applicable aid year as noted in section 2 of the verification worksheet.
  • Birth Certificate

Instances where there has been a separation/divorce (for student or parent) or a death.

Required Documents:

1. Separation papers, OR divorce papers OR copy of death certificate.
2. Dependent Student: Please provide a copy of your parent(s) official 2024 Tax Return Transcript, OR a physically signed copy of your 2024 IRS 1040 form, AND Schedules 1 and/or 3 and C (schedules as applicable) and a 2024 Wage and Income Transcript for the parent remaining on the 91ԭƬ.

OR

Independent Student: Please provide an official 2024 Tax Return Transcript, OR a physically signed copy of your 2024 IRS 1040 form, AND Schedules 1 and/or 3 and C (schedules as applicable) and your 2024 Wage and Income Transcript.

• Applicable only to 2023-24 91ԭƬ
• Instances where a parent is also enrolled at least half time in a program leading to a college degree or certificate.
• Required documentation
  • Special Circumstances form, completed, signed, and dated by all required parties
  • A brief, detailed letter explaining the circumstances
  • A V-1 Verification Worksheet, Independent or Dependent version as applicable, including all tax data for the applicable aid year as noted in section 2 of the verification worksheet
  • Name of parent and college parent is attending
  • List of financial assistance, federal aid or veteran education benefits (such as vocational rehabilitation or job training) that parent is receiving
  • Documentation of parents’ schedule demonstrating at least half-time enrollment in a degree-seeking program or certificate during the applicable aid year

Instances where expenses occur unexpectedly and are not paid/covered by insurance.

Required Documents:

1. Itemized receipts or bills with out-of-pocket expenses circled on each, OR Copies of medical insurance documentation showing patient’s responsibility for payment of medical charges and prescriptions. Enter amount for major medical, dental, or natural disaster damage not covered by insurance:

Instances not included elsewhere on this form. Include a detailed explanation below.

Required Documents:

• Itemized receipts/bills, documentation of out-of-pocket expenses, or documentation supporting circumstances.