Special and Unusual Circumstances

Overview of Special and Unusual Circumstances

When there are unusual situations or circumstances that negatively impact your ability to pay for college and you believe your circumstances are not reflected accurately on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you should speak with your financial aid administrator (FAA).  With limitations, and on a case-by-case basis, the FAAs may make adjustments to the data on the FAFSA.

 

2025-2026 Special Circumstance Request 2025-2026 Request for Independent Status

 

Augusta University's Professional Judgement Policy

Contact Us

Financial Aid

Summerville Campus

Fanning Hall

706-737-1524

osfa@augusta.edu

Mailing:
1120 15th Street, Fanning Hall, Augusta GA 30912

2500 Walton Way, Augusta GA, 30904

Special Circumstances

The 2025-2026 request form can be found here. 

There are limitations on what we can do, but the results depend on the circumstances you indicated on the Special Circumstances Request form.

Note:  Completion of the FAFSA is required before submitting the form.

 

The following are not considered special circumstances:

  • Private school costs
  • Consumer debt, including student loan debt
  • Any estimated future circumstances

Independent Status Request Form

The 2025-2026 request form can be found here.

The Independent Status Request form is an option for students who have unusual circumstances that may qualify them for independent status.

Note:  Completion of the FAFSA is required before submitting.

 

The following are not considered for a change in the dependency status:

  • Parents are unwilling to provide information on the application or for verification
  • Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education
  • Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
  • Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency
  • Consumer debt
  • Any estimated future circumstances