Appealing Your Aid
If your family has experienced a change in circumstances (i.e. job loss, unexpected medical expenses) since you completed your applications for aid, we are willing to revisit your original need calculations and aid package taking the change in circumstances into consideration. Should you wish to receive such a review you will need to provide more than just a letter outlining the changes. We ask that you complete at least one of our appeal forms, through the Student Forms section of the TORCH Portal. Please read below for more information about the appeal process and the different forms. Any incomplete appeal requests could delay the entire review process. Per Federal Regulations, there are two appeal processes that can be completed through the Office of Financial Aid: Special Circumstance and Unusual Circumstance. Please see the below to determine which process is appropriate for your situation.
Special Circumstances
A special circumstance refers to the financial situations (loss of a job, unexpected medical expenses, etc.) that justifies adjustments in the amount of aid a student is eligible for. The federal government allows schools to review a family’s unique circumstances, beyond the family’s/student’s control, to determine if the situation warrants special consideration.Unusual Circumstances
An unusual circumstance, often referred to as a dependency override, are for situations of abandonment, an abusive family environment, incarceration of a parent, etc. This may adjust a student’s dependency status and what information is required on other financial aid documentation. This may adjust a student’s dependency status and what information is required on other financial aid documentation.Next Steps
You can access our appeal forms through the Student Forms section of the TORCH Portal. Please read the appeal forms carefully and choose the one that best fits your situation and provide all the information requested. An incomplete appeal request could delay the entire review process. Please keep in mind that even though your financial situation has truly changed and have provided adequate documentation, it is possible that we may not be able to offer any additional assistance due to availability of funding.How to Request an Appeal Through Student Forms ![]()
- Log into Student Forms
- In the top right corner, under your name, click on Manage Requests
- Choose the appropriate Request Type under 2024-2025
- SAP Appeal – use this if your aid has been terminated due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Professional Judgement: Unusual Circumstance Appeal – use this form to request a Dependency Override or provide information on your Conditional Independent Student Status
- Professional Judgement: Special Circumstance – EFC/SAI Appeal
- Loss of Wages or Benefits
- One-Time Income Appeal
- High Medical or Dental Expenses
- Unusual Expenses (such as Elder Care, Home Repairs, etc.)
- Divorce, Separation, or Passing of a Parent
- Professional Judgement: Special Circumstances – COA Appeal – used to communicate educational expenses for the 2024-2025 school year that exceed our standard Cost of Attendance
- Emergency Fund Application – used to communicate general financial hardship not due to a change in circumstances
