Special Circumstances

Request to Change FAFSA Form Information

When special circumstances occur that affect your or your family's ability to pay educational expenses, an adjustment to certain data elements on your FAFSA Form may be made, which may increase your eligibility for federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Not all changes in financial circumstances change aid eligibility.

• Death of a Parent: If a parent whose information is provided on the FAFSA Form passes away after the FAFSA Form is filed, the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) will adjust the FAFSA Form information to reflect only the living parent's information.
• Separation/Divorce: If your parents separated/divorced after their information was provided on the FAFSA Form, an adjustment can be made to reflect one parent's income and asset information.
• Other Special Circumstances: Other special circumstances, such as student or parent loss of employment, loss of employment due to disability or natural disaster, loss of untaxed income or benefits, or unusually high medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance may also result in adjustments on the FAFSA Form. Other extenuating circumstances may be considered with supporting documentation and a written narrative as part of the Special Circumstances Re-Evaluation process.

To begin the process and request a Special Circumstances FAFSA Re-Evaluation, contact Husker Hub. A student services specialist will guide you through the process, form and documentation required.

Request to Increase Cost of Attendance (COA)

An adjustment to increase a student’s cost of attendance (COA) may be possible in some cases to potentially increase funding eligibility. Reasons for an increase may include:

• Education Abroad: Students participating in an approved education abroad experience may be eligible for a COA increase. If the program is approved by the University and earns course credit, a student’s cost of attendance can be increased for additional expenses including transportation/airfare, program expenses and additional costs associated with travelling abroad. Program approval is determined by the Global Experiences Office. Students interested in applying for financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form and complete an education abroad cost worksheet provided by the Global Experiences Office.
• Purchase of Computer for Educational Purposes: Students in a program of study that requires the use of a computer or special software may request an increase in their cost of attendance (COA) once during their program for the cost of the computer/software. Increasing the COA permits the receipt of additional loans or other aid to cover such cost. A cost estimate or a copy of the purchase receipt can be submitted for review. This change only impacts the opportunity for additional loan eligibility and sometimes external scholarships.
• Additional Transportation or Living Expenses: Transportation and living expenses (housing and food) are included in your cost of attendance based on the average housing rates or rent rates for our area. However, if you incur or will incur expenses that exceed the standardized amount already accounted for in your COA based on a required educational experience, such as fieldwork or experiential learning, they can be added based on verified documentation (if you are also enrolled in at least 1 credit for the applicable term).

For more information about available food, housing, internet and technology resources, visit our Affordability Resources page.