Will schools reevaluate your financial aid award if your status changes?

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Apr 17, 2005

I filled out the FAFSA last month and got the (non)award letter from my school - even though I come up $4000 short with my EFC, they didn't award me anything. However, my husband and I just split up and are getting a divorce. So now my financial situation has DRASTICALLY changed. I'm just wondering if they have some sort of "special circumstances" revision. If not, it looks like Stafford for me. I no longer have any pride about living on student loans.

I don't think they re-evaluate your status cause of recient divorce, since they are looking at the previous years situation. But it would be definatly worth going to the financial aide office to ask them what options you have.

mercynurse · Apr 17, 2005

I filled out the FAFSA last month and got the (non)award letter from my school - even though I come up $4000 short with my EFC, they didn't award me anything. However, my husband and I just split up and are getting a divorce. So now my financial situation has DRASTICALLY changed. I'm just wondering if they have some sort of "special circumstances" revision. If not, it looks like Stafford for me. I no longer have any pride about living on student loans.

I think you can go in and change your information on your financial information if it does change, but since you have already received a letter saying that you are not eligible I would go to talk to someone in your financial aid office. Maybe they can work with you.

SarasotaRN2b · Apr 17, 2005

I don't think they re-evaluate your status cause of recient divorce, since they are looking at the previous years situation. But it would be definatly worth going to the financial aide office to ask them what options you have.

Klone, I would suggest that you go to the financial aid office and ask for a "change of circumstances" form. This may help. Also, if you are in nursing school or have been accepted, maybe there are scholarship opportunities. Check to see what is available. In our school we have a Foundation that provides scholarships for all sorts of things. Also, check with the nursing department, they may also have links to some specialized nursing scholarships.

Good luck!

Kris

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 17, 2005

Yep, I did apply for all the scholarships my school offers. I won't hear about that for another couple weeks, but I was awarded $1000 last year, and I'm hoping that since I will be a second-year nursing student this year, and have maintained my 4.0, they might award me even more this year. I'll go into the financial aid office tomorrow and explain things to them.

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2005

Hi Klone!

Sorry about your marriage:crying2: Try to keep your head up and focus on what you need to accomplish!

I know in the Phoenix CC, you can fill out a "change of circumstance". You have to wait 8 weeks from the qualifying event. So for me, I will be quitting my FT job for nursing school, but I have to wait 8 weeks after the day I quit working. By then (LOL) Iwill not meet the FA deadline for summer, so it won't matter this semester, but it will matter for you for fall and next spring. With your circumstances, I don't know if you can just "break up" or if actual divorce needs to be the qualifying event. Either way, it will change the income coming in, so it will change your EFC.

Hey, my EFC was three times what the school costs and I am still applying for unsubsidized Stafford. We'll see...:)

Congrats on your 4.0. :balloons: That is something to really be proud of!!

angelac1978 · Apr 17, 2005

if you go to the fin aid office, you can file for a change of circumstances. Typically, they use last year's info, but they do allow for events like divorce, loss of employment, etc. Your school's fin aid office should be able to help you.

A