The Department of Education gives financial aid administrators the ability to consider a family's special circumstances in determining financial aid eligibility.

If special circumstances affect your parents' or your ability to contribute toward educational expenses, please complete the appropriate form below and submit it to the Financial Aid Office.  Each form contains several of the most common special circumstances along with the documentation requirements to process each request.  All 2012-2013 requests require submission of Federal Tax Return Transcripts, W-2 Wage Statements and a letter explaining the circumstance.  The Department of Education and Luther College require you to submit proper documentation for your circumstances. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that proper documentation is submitted with your appeal.

All appeals are reviewed in accordance with guidance from the Department of Education and college policy. Changes in financial aid packages are awarded based on the availability of funds.  Students are expected to utilize full federal loan eligibility prior to being considered for receiving additional Luther grant assistance based on an appeal.

2012-2013 Dependent Student Special Circumstance Form

2012-2013 Independent Student Special Circumstance Form

Please Note:  Families with special circumstances during the current academic year (2011-12) should contact the Financial Aid Office for more information on the appeal process and completion of the appropriate forms.