If you experienced a change in resources, income, or special circumstances not addressed on the original FAFSA, we encourage you to submit a Professional Judgment Appeal.

Special circumstances that may be considered

• Loss of income (Student/Spouse or Parent), for example, loss of job due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Major medical expenses not covered by insurance, already paid out-of-pocket
• Business or farm debt
• Educational loan repayment
• Tuition payments made for elementary/secondary school costs for younger siblings
• Child support received that has decreased or ended
• Parent attending college at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
• Lump sum distribution or non-recurring income that inflates adjusted gross income
• Bankruptcy (only Chapter 13)

Steps to submitting a Professional Judgment Appeal

1. Download and complete the Professional Judgment Appeal form (PDF).
2. Read the form carefully and follow the instructions for your situation.
3. Submit all required documentation through Secure Document Upload under Professional Judgment Appeal.

Important: Be detailed and include all information requested in order to expedite your appeal process. When doing a Professional Judgement Appeal, our office will be required to verify your FAFSA information before we can complete your Professional Judgement Appeal.

Federal law provides the Office of Student Financial Assistance with the authority to review a student's individual Cost of Attendance (COA) components when actual costs or expenses differ from the standard amounts utilized. Standard COA amounts are based on estimated average educational expenses for students enrolled at K-State.

Students with actual educational expenses that exceed their standard COA may submit a Cost of Attendance Adjustment Form for review. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be supported by documentation of actual educational expenses. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will determine whether submitted expenses are reasonable, educationally related, and consistent with typical community cost standards, and may approve, reduce, or deny any requested adjustment.

In most cases, a Cost of Attendance Adjustment will only increase loan eligibility and does not increase eligibility for grants or scholarships. Decisions regarding Cost of Attendance Adjustments are final.

Educational expenses that may be considered during periods of enrollment

• Additional educational expenses above standard cost of attendance from:
  • Tuition and fees
  • Books and supplies
  • Housing and food
  • Transportation
• Computer and/or other required technology expenses
• Required field trip experience expenses (not study abroad)
• Dependent care expenses
• Disability-related expenses
• Transportation expenses
• Professional/licensure expenses

Documentation requirements

Cost of Attendance Adjustments are reviewed referencing actual documented educational expenses. Students must provide receipts, billing statements, invoices, or similar documentation showing both expense incurred and proof of payment.

Steps for submitting a Cost of Attendance Adjustment Form

1. Download and complete the Cost of Attendance Adjustment Form (PDF).
2. Read the form carefully and follow the instructions for your situation.
3. Submit all required documentation through Secure Document Upload under Cost of Attendance Adjustments.

Important: Including all requested documentation up front will expedite the processing of your Cost of Attendance Adjustment.

If one of the unusual circumstances below apply, please fill out the Independent Appeal. If the unusual circumstances below don't apply but you would like to discuss your dependency status, you are welcome to meet with your Financial Aid Advisor for possible consideration. Schedule an appointment with your Financial Aid Advisor.

Unusual Circumstances that may be considered

• Human trafficking
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status
• Parental abandonment or estrangement
• Student or parental incarceration.

Unusual Circumstances that are NOT considered

• Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education.
• Parents will not provide information for the FAFSA or verification.
• Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes.
• Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency.

Steps to submit an Independent Appeal

1. Download and complete the Independent Appeal (PDF)
2. Read the form carefully and follow the instructions for your situation.
3. Submit all required documentation through Secure Document Upload under Professional Judgment Appeal.