The Office of Financial Aid recognizes the need for students who feel that information reported on the FAFSA and CSS Profile may not properly reflect current family circumstances. If your family situation is unusual or has changed recently, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your situation confidentially.
A student may request an appeal review if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined for a specific type of financial aid appeal, referred to as a 'special circumstance.' This process allows for an adjustment to the expected family contribution due to an unusual or exceptional family situation.
To ensure a thorough review, the Office of Financial Aid requires all appeal applicants to submit supporting documentation, detailing each change or challenge that has occurred since you initially applied or was not captured by your financial aid application(s). Each case is evaluated individually based on the information provided.
Appeal Application Period: August 1 – September 1
Decision Notification Date: September 30
* While all financial aid appeals are carefully reviewed, submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval.
Examples of Special Circumstances Considered
- Income Adjustments
- Significant reduction of income due to change in employment (hour/wages)
- Significant loss of income due to unemployment
- Divorced marital status changes (for applicable married students) after application(s) submissions.
- Death of wage earner (parent or spouse for applicable married students) after application(s) submissions
- New dependent family member
- Excessive medical, dental, or nursing home expenses for a household member not covered by insurance
Examples of Special Circumstances Not Considered
- Divorced/separated marital status for biological/adoptive parent(s). Income information is required for both parent(s) regardless of parent(s) marital status
- Voluntary job loss or reduction of total family income (only involuntary reductions in income are considered).
- Parent(s) retirement
- Parent(s) who do not claim a student as a dependent for income tax purposes (unless related to a special/unusual circumstance)
- Parent(s) who choose not to contribute financially
- Student's self-sufficiency
Financial Aid Appeal Process and Expectations
To request a financial aid appeal, please follow steps below:
Step 1: Initiate process by contacting Office of Financial Aid
Step 2: Review 2025-2026 Petition for Special Circumstance Form to gather required documents for review
Step 3: You may submit your financial aid appeal and required documents* after you receive your financial aid award offer
Step 4: Complete and upload your appeal form along with supporting documents via financial aid portal, NetPartner (accessible via LEARN)
- Select Menu→ Applications, submit MD Appeal request
- Select Menu→ Documents & Messages to complete and upload requirements
*Documentation is key. Please provide a clear and concise summary of your situation. Include relevant details, dates, and references that support your situation.
Appeals submitted with incomplete or insufficient documentation cannot be considered and may be denied.
Students may submit financial aid appeals between August 1 and September 1. All appeal decisions will be sent by September 30.
* While all financial aid appeals are carefully reviewed, submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval and are based on available scholarship funding.