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Special Circumstances

General Information

According to the FAFSA Simplification Act, special circumstances refer to the financial situations (loss of job, etc.) that justify an aid administrator adjusting a student's cost of attendance (COA) or Student Aid Index (SAI). These adjustments are considered to be a professional judgment of the aid administrator.

Please note that students who have been selected for verification must complete the verification process before requesting any Special Circumstance Appeal.

Types of Special Circumstance Appeals

SAI Calculation Appeal
Budget Review

SAI Calculation Appeal

Sometimes information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no longer accurately reflects your or your family’s financial situation. If your financial circumstances have changed, there are situations where financial aid professionals at the University can review and update your FAFSA to reflect these changes. These changes may - or may not - impact your financial aid. Refer to our SAI Calculation Appeal webpage for more details.

Budget Review

The cost of attendance (COA) represents a realistic estimate of modest costs associated with attending one of West Virginia University’s campuses. If your actual expenses are greater than those represented on the standard cost of attendance, you can submit a Budget Review Form. If approved, you may have additional loan and/or outside scholarship eligibility, but you will not, in most situations, receive additional institutional scholarship or grant assistance. Refer to our Budget Review webpage for more details.