Appeals

How to appeal a decision that affects your financial aid

There are several reasons you might want to file an appeal:

• If you’ve had a big change in income since you filed your FAFSA
• If you can document expenses greater than your estimated cost of attendance
• If you’re classified as a dependent on your FAFSA but you feel you should be classified as independent
• If we determine you are not making satisfactory academic progress
• If you are seeking financial aid while taking preparatory coursework to gain admission to a program

If you choose to file an appeal for any of these reasons, please do so at least 30 days before the end of the term. You should receive a decision within 21 business days after you submit your appeal, though it may take longer during busy times of the year.

Each type of appeal requires a different form. Read the form carefully and be sure to submit all signatures, explanations, and documentation required.

To submit an appeal and supporting documentation upload documents here.

Learn more about each type of appeal below.

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeal

Fill out an satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeal form if you want to appeal our decision that you aren’t making satisfactory academic progress.

Special circumstance appeal

The Special Circumstance Appeal allows you to request an appeal that may qualify you for an adjustment to your Student Aid Index (SAI) or Cost of Attendance (COA).

A Special Circumstance Appeal may be used when your family’s financial status has changed since filing the FAFSA or you have an expense that was not considered as part of the FAFSA.

Contact us to determine whether your special circumstance may have an impact on the type or amount of financial aid that is available.

E-mail: finaidco@iu.edu

Phone: 812.348.7231

Generally adjustments can be made for the following situations:

Dependency override

If you’re classified as a dependent on your FAFSA but feel there are reasons you should be considered independent instead, you can file a dependency appeal. If you’re reclassified as independent, parental information will be removed from your Expected Family Contribution calculation.

Please note that NONE of the following conditions qualify as unusual circumstances to make a dependency override:

• Your parents refuse to contribute to your education
• Your parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
• Your parents do not claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes
• You demonstrate total self-sufficiency

However, unusual circumstances do include an abusive family environment or abandonment by parents. In addition to your statement, third party documentation is generally expected. 

2024-2025 aid year (Fall 2024 – Summer 2025)

• Dependency override