Adjustments can sometimes be made to a student’s financial aid package based upon special circumstances in their lives. These reasons can include, but are not limited to: an involuntary change in employment within the household, recent divorce or separation in the family, death of a parent or spouse, one-time lump sum distributions impacting EFC, additional daycare expenses, medical expenses and / or other costs not included in the student budget.

How to Apply for Special Circumstance Review

• Submit a letter addressed to the Student Finance Office explaining your special circumstance
• Include with your letter any supporting documentation you can provide (daycare billing statements, death certificate, termination paperwork from a former job, etc)

In extreme circumstances, a student who does not meet the federal definition of an independent student for financial aid purposes may be able to document those exceptional circumstances in order to be considered an independent student. A student who wants to appeal his or her dependency status for financial aid purposes should contact the KCMA Financial Aid Office to discuss the required documentation necessary for the request to be reviewed. Only students with exceptional circumstances should appeal their dependency status.

Unfortunately, parents' unwillingness to help pay for college, not being claimed as an exemption on parents' tax return, or living on your own does not make you independent for financial aid purposes.