The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will make every effort to mitigate unexpected financial burdens created by special or unusual circumstances, including the death of a parent, separation/divorce or other circumstances. Students who have experienced or whose families have experienced changes in financial circumstances should contact Husker Hub and request a re-evaluation of your financial aid application. Each special circumstance is unique and each student's situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis regarding our ability to meet emergency needs with additional financial aid or emergency aid.
Changes to FAFSA Information
When special circumstances occur that affect your or your family's ability to pay educational expenses, an adjustment to certain data elements on your FAFSA Form may be made, which may increase your eligibility for federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Not all changes in financial circumstances change aid eligibility.
Death of a Parent:
If a parent whose information is provided on the FAFSA Form passes away after the FAFSA Form is filed, the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) will adjust the information to reflect only the living parent's information.
Separation/Divorce:
If your parents separated/divorced after their information was provided on the FAFSA Form, an adjustment can be made to reflect one parent's income and asset information.
Other Special Circumstances:
Other special circumstances, such as student or parent loss of employment, loss of employment due to disability or natural disaster, loss of untaxed income or benefits, or unusually high medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance may also result in adjustments on the FAFSA Form. Special circumstances not inclusive of these categories should be described in a narrative and provided along with supporting documentation as part of a Special Circumstances Re-Evaluation process for review.
To begin the process and request a Special Circumstances Re-Evaluation Request of FAFSA information, contact Husker Hub. A Husker Hub student services specialist will guide you through the process, form and documentation required.
Changes to Costs (Cost of Attendance or COA)
When special circumstances occur that affect an individual student's costs, an adjustment to their cost of attendance (COA) may be possible. Adjustments to cost of attendance may result in increased loan eligibility in some cases. Not all changes to cost of attendance change aid eligibility.
Education Abroad:
Students enrolled in an education abroad program approved for credit by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) may be considered as enrolled for the purposes of federal financial aid eligibility. Program approval is granted by the Education Abroad Office. Students interested in applying for financial aid must file the FAFSA Form and a study abroad worksheet available from the Education Abroad Office.
Purchase of Computer for Educational Purposes:
Students in a program of study that requires the use of a computer or special software may request an increase in their cost of attendance (COA) once during their program for the cost of the computer/software. Increasing the COA permits the receipt of additional loans or other aid to cover such cost. A cost estimate or a copy of the purchase receipt can be submitted for review. This change only impacts the opportunity for additional loan eligibility and sometimes external scholarships.
Student Health Insurance:
The cost of University student health insurance premiums can be added to a student's COA as requested. This change impacts the opportunity for additional loan eligibility.
Additional Transportation or Living Expenses:
Transportation and living expenses (housing and food) are already included in your cost of attendance. However, if you incur or will incur expenses that exceed the standardized amount already accounted for in your COA based on a required educational experience, such as fieldwork or experiential learning, they can be added based on verified documentation (if you are also enrolled in at least 1 credit for the applicable term).
To begin the review process to request an increase in your COA, contact Husker Hub.