There are two types of special circumstance appeals:

• Income/Expense Special Circumstance Appeal

  We understand that your situation may have changed from the income information on your FAFSA to today. If your FAFSA shows a zero or negative Student Aid Index (SAI), should complete a Non-Income/Non-Expense appeal. This is because a zero or negative SAI already reflects the maximum level of financial need as determined by federal guidelines, and further adjustments would not result in additional aid eligibility.

  Students may submit an income/expense appeal if their financial situation has changed under the following circumstances:

  • Change in employment due to unemployment or retirement
  • Loss of household income due to a reduction in work hours, divorce or separation, or the loss of a spouse
  • Loss of one-time income (pension payout, inheritance, employer reimbursements, etc., that artificially inflated your adjusted gross income)
  • Loss or reduction of benefits (work, federal, or other benefits)
  • IRA or pension rollover
  • Paid medical/dental expenses (please note that only out-of-pocket payments can be considered; we cannot accept insurance payments, copies of bills, or charges)
  • Paid private school tuition for elementary or secondary education (please note that only out-of-pocket payments can be considered; we cannot accept copies of bills, or charges)
• Non-Income/Non-Expense Special Circumstance Appeal
  Students may submit a Non-Income/Non-Expense Appeal for circumstances unrelated to changes in income or expenses. They must provide a narrative detailing their challenges in financing their DePaul education, their academic achievements, and their anticipated graduation date.

Important: For both types of appeals, all required documentation must be submitted before your appeal can be reviewed. If you have been selected for verification or are required to confirm your application information, that process must be completed before your appeal can be reviewed.

The 2026-27 Special Circumstance Appeal Form for Fall 2026 will be available in early March. Thank you for your patience!

The 2026-27 Cost of Attendance Appeal Form for Fall 2026 will be available in early July. Thank you for your patience!

The 2026-27 Academic Scholarship Reinstatement form will be available in early July. Thank you for your patience!