Request for Special Consideration and Dependency Override

Request for Special Consideration

Financial aid is determined using a federal calculation called Federal Methodology. While this calculation is the same for all students who apply for financial aid, Robert Morris University realizes that students and their families sometimes experience changes to their household finances after the FAFSA has been filed. We can re-consider financial aid for certain extenuating circumstances. Typical reasons include:

  • Job Loss
  • Change in employment Status
  • Divorce
  • Death of a parent of spouse
  • Unusually high medical expenses

Please note, requests due to credit card debt, loan debt or bankruptcy, would not warrant a special consideration adjustment.

The Financial Aid Office will review each request on an individual basis to determine if professional judgment should be utilized to recalculate financial need. We cannot guarantee an increase to the financial aid award(s), however, we do intend to be fair and timely with each case that is reviewed. The review process will generally take 2-4 weeks to complete.

To start the process, please click here for the Special Consideration Request form. Please choose the Special Consideration Request form for the appropriate year and be sure to include all requested supporting documentation.

Dependency Override

The Federal methodology used to determine aid eligibility assumes that the primary responsibility to assist a dependent student with their educational expenses lies with their parent(s). If a student does not meet the criteria outlined on the FAFSA to make them independent, but faces an extenuating family circumstance that results in no parental contact, the student can submit for a Dependency Override request.

According to Federal regulation, the following conditions DO NOT merit a dependency override:

  1.  Parents refusal to contribute to the student’s education
  2.  Parents unwillingness to provide information on the application or for verification
  3.  Parents not claiming the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
  4.  Student demonstrating total self-sufficiency

If you believe your extenuating circumstance warrants a dependency review, you must submit a separate letter explaining your situation, the form below, at least three letters from a professional source (ex. school administrator, attorney, case worker, police officer, etc.) supporting your claim, and any other documentation you feel would assist the financial aid office in reviewing your case. Once submitted, the Financial Aid Office will determine your dependency status.

Please click here for the Dependency Status form.  Please choose the Dependency Status form for the appropriate year.