Special and/or Unusual Circumstance Consideration

Special Circumstance Consideration

We recognize that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may not accurately portray your family's situation. Special and/or Unusual circumstances can often be considered when determining or reevaluating your eligibility for financial aid. Don't hesitate to contact your financial aid counselor to explore this option.

Special Circumstances - financial change

Loss or reduction of employment, wages, or unemployment compensation
Loss of untaxed income or benefits (e.g., Social Security benefits or child support)
Separation or divorce
Death of a parent or spouse
Parent enrolled in college
Unusually high out-of-pocket medical expenses (not covered by insurance or pre-paid medical accounts)
Sibling(s) enrollment in private secondary school
Non-recurring payments received during the FAFSA tax year

Unusual Circumstances - dependency status

Victims of human trafficking
Refugee or asylee status
Parental abandonment or incarceration
Abusive family environment
Parents are incapacitated
Both parents became deceased after filing the FAFSA
Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or is self-supporting and at risk of being homeless

Cost of Attendance Increase - actual costs exceed the estimated educational costs

Computer purchase
Book, course material, supply, and equipment costs exceed the amount included in the estimated cost of attendance.
Dependent care (e.g., daycare) expenses
Costs associated with a study abroad program approved for credit by Coe College
Allowance may be considered for those expenses related to a student's disability, including special services, transportation, equipment, and/or supplies that are reasonable and required for the pursuit of an eligible program of study and not provided by other assisting agencies.
Allowance for the one-time direct cost of obtaining a first professional license or certificate if for a student who is enrolled in a program that requires such professional credentials

What is the process for Special Circumstance Consideration?

You or your parents should contact the Coe College Financial Aid Office to explain your special circumstances. If an appeal is warranted, your financial aid counselor will provide the appropriate form(s) and inform you of any supporting documentation you must submit. This process can take up to 3 weeks and depends on your appeal's complexity and the time of the year.

Not all circumstances qualify for consideration. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee an adjustment will be made to your aid package. Decisions are final and will be emailed to you by your counselor.

Contact Coe College Office of Financial Aid at:

1220 First Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
Phone: 319.399.8540
Email: o-financialaid@coe.edu