Financial Aid Appeals

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Types of Appeals Available

The following circumstances a student could appeal for include but are not limited to:

  • Extenuating or unusual circumstances preventing a student from maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • Re-evaluations of dependency status due to the student’s family situation.
  • Loss of income due to involuntary loss of employment or layoff.
  • Increased educational expenses above the standard cost of attendance.
  • Change in marital status after FAFSA submission.

If you experienced any of the circumstances listed or want to learn more about submitting an appeal, please contact the financial aid office.

  • SAP Appeal

    In order to remain eligible for federal financial aid, students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If a student experienced extenuating or unusual circumstances that led to SAP status, the student can complete an appeal.

    Visit the SAP Policy page for more information and appeal instructions.

  • Dependency Status Appeal

    Dependent students must include parental information on the FAFSA to be considered for federal aid. This is the case even if you don’t live with your parent, they don’t claim you on their taxes, and they are not helping with your college expenses.

    Potential reasons could include:

    • Your parents are incarcerated.
    • You left home due to an abusive family environment.
    • You don’t know where your parents are and cannot contact them.
    • You are older than 21 and unaccompanied and either homeless or at risk of being homeless.

  • Change in Income Appeal

    Students can complete an appeal to address changes in income (or their parents' if student is a dependent student) for reasons including (but not limited to):

    • Layoff/involuntary job loss
    • Disability
    • Death
    • Retirement
    • Divorce or Separation

  • Cost of Attendance Appeal

    The federal aid cost of attendance (COA) establishes the student's financial need, as it limits the total amount of aid a student can receive.

    These costs represent what an average student may spend on the categories listed. Click here to see Ensign’s COA.

    On a case-by-case basis, a student can complete a COA appeal if they need additional funds for child care, disability costs, and other expenses due to extenuating circumstances.

  • Change of Marital Status

    If your marital status changes after you submitted the FAFSA, please see the Marriage and Financial Aid Policy.