We recognize that families can experience changes or have additional expenses that are not reflected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This could affect the family's ability to contribute to the student's college education and/or could increase the student's estimated cost of attendance.
The U.S. Department of Education regulations allow financial aid offices to determine which circumstances warrant further review. To ensure fairness and compliance with the federal financial aid regulations, special and/or unusual circumstances can be considered on a case-by-case basis and there are limits as to what can be considered. Students will be required to submit documentation for any special circumstance requests. Such documentation includes written explanations of the special circumstance being experienced by the student, copies of third-party letters, and copies of bills/invoices with corresponding receipts for payment.
Examples of situations we can consider after FAFSA is filed
- financial hardship or change in income
- parent or independent student divorce or separation
- death of a parent (for dependent students)
- death of a spouse (for independent students)
- childcare expenses
- medical expenses
- unemployment
- additional expenses related to cost of attendance
Examples of situations we rarely consider
- high consumer debt, including credit cards
- home mortgage expenses
- car payments
- private school expenses (including tuition)
- changes in seasonal employment
- parent in college
Changes in Financial Circumstances for 2024-2025
If there was a significant change from the information on your 2024-2025 FAFSA, we may be able to reevaluate your financial aid. The University of Iowa does not negotiate financial aid or match offers from other schools. Below are the circumstances that are eligible for review.
Change in Income Appeal
If you, your parent(s)/guardian(s), or your spouse have faced financial hardship since you filed your FAFSA, you may be able to submit a Change in Income Appeal. Complete this online form to tell us more about your circumstances and our office will follow up within 10 business days with more information. Submission of this form does not guarantee an increase or adjustment to financial aid and additional documentation will be required before an adjustment can be made.
Other Circumstances
| Circumstance | Explanation and Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Parent Divorce or Separation | If your parents whose information was provided on the FAFSA have gotten divorced or separated since the FAFSA was filed, contact our office. |
| Death of a Parent | A parent whose income was used on the 2024-2025 FAFSA has died. Contact our office. |
| Childcare Expenses | A parent has unreimbursed childcare expenses in 2022 and those expenses will continue in 2024. Contact our office about this option. |
| Medical Expenses | If your parents paid over $2,000 in medical expenses in 2022 that were not covered by insurance, we may be able to adjust your FAFSA. Please complete this online form to tell us more about your circumstances and our office will follow up with more information. Submission of this form does not guarantee an increase or adjustment to financial aid and additional documentation will be required before an adjustment can be made. |
| Unemployment in 2022 | If your parent received unemployment benefits in 2022 that were included in the income on the FAFSA, contact our office. |
| circumstance | Explanation and next steps |
|---|---|
| Student Divorce or Separation | If you have gotten divorced or separated since the FAFSA was filed, contact our office. |
| Death of a Spouse | The student's spouse whose income was provided on the 2024-2025 FAFSA has died. Contact our office and provide the date of death and 2022 W-2 forms for both the student and spouse. |
| Dependent Care/Child Care Expenses | This is considered a cost adjustment for independent students. Review Appealing Costs. |
| Unemployment in 2022 | If you received unemployment benefits in 2022 that were included in the income on the FAFSA, contact our office. |