Special Circumstances

NOTE: All students requesting review of current financial aid status based on special financial circumstances MUST have completed the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Because certain situations and events can affect a family’s ability to pay for college, it is important that you make us aware of unusual financial circumstances that you believe are not reflected accurately on your need-based forms. If your 2024-2025 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is currently $0, this form will not affect your aid and you should meet with a financial aid administrator to discuss your situation. Please understand that we have limits on what we can do, but we will look at your individual situation carefully and thoughtfully.

The following are NOT considered special financial circumstances:

• Private elementary or secondary school tuition (unless required by learning disabilities and the like)
• Pending reduction in income due to fluctuating commissions
• Consumer debt
• Refusal of a parent to provide financial support to the applicant/student
• Anything that “might happen” in the future

Financial Aid reserves the right to request additional documentation such as, but not limited, to 2022 IRS 1040 form, W-2 form, 2022Tax Transcript or various tax return schedules for clarification. Consideration of your “Special Financial Circumstance Form” will be pending submission of all required documents.

The results of this request for special financial circumstances consideration will be based on the individual circumstances outlined in the completion of this form. Students and/or parents will be notified via email to the parent and student of the appeal decision. Please remember that submission of this form does not guarantee an adjustment to the student’s award.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email our office at finaid@rhodes.edu.