If you or your family experienced a recent hardship that is not reflected on your FAFSA, such as loss of income or unexpected medical expenses, the Office of Financial Aid has the ability to review how much financial aidÌýyou may be eligible to receive.
Income Loss or Medical Expenses
WhenÌýavailable, you may complete an income calculation to account for the change in your family'sÌýfinancial situation. The income calculation will determine if your financial aid needs to be reevaluated. Qualifying for grants as a result of this processÌýis rare and highly unlikely. If your income change qualifies forÌýan adjustment, aid is typically provided as additional loan eligibility.
The deadline to to be reconsidered for aid is three weeks before the end of the term for which you are requesting the reevaluation. We cannot negotiate financial aid offers orÌýmatch another school’s offer.
How much financial aid will I receive?
It depends. The following are examples of special circumstances which illustrate the likelihood of a reevaluation of financial aid eligibility. Please note that each family's situation is unique and we take many factors into account. Ìý
Please be aware that these income scenarios do not reflect assets or investments, which couldÌýchange your eligibility.
Family Income: $30,000
- ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ resident
- Parent job loss, new incomeÌý$20,000 ($10,000 loss)
Outcome:
A student in this scenario is already receiving the maximum amount of financial aid available andÌýwould not result in additional financial aid.
Family Income: $250,000
- Nonresident
- Parent job loss, new income $150,000 ($100,000 loss)
Outcome:
Revised financial aid would be limited toÌýloans, possiblyÌýswitched from unsubsidizedÌýtoÌýsubsidized (delayedÌýinterest). The updated incomeÌýis still too high to qualify for grants.
Family Income: $115,000
- ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ resident
- Medical expenses of $25,000 not covered by insurance
Outcome:
Student would be encouraged to submit supporting documentation as their revised income would likely result in additional grant eligibility.
Ìý
Complete an income calculation
To begin,Ìýuse our income calculator and provide updated financial information. The calculator will allow you to see how the change could potentially impact your eligibility for financial aid.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Log in toÌýBuff Portal and navigate to the
- At the bottom of the card, click More Items
- Select Income/Medical Appeal
- Select theÌýschool year impacted by the incomeÌýchange (for example, choose 2025 for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025)
- Follow the instructions carefully. The calculator will give an immediate result based on the info you provide. You may be asked toÌýprovideÌýadditional information. If so, this step is required to be reevaluated for financial aid.
ÌýIf you're required to submit additional information, a financial aid advisor will reviewÌýif an adjustment is possible,Ìýwhich may take about 6 to 8Ìýweeks.