Students whose families experience a change in financial circumstances are eligible for a review of those changed circumstances. Special circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Loss of job or reduction in income
• Loss or reduction of some type of untaxed income or benefit
• Low parent income and student support of household expenses
• Separation, divorce or death of one of the student's parents or student's spouse
• Reduction in student income due to lack of a summer job
• Student leaving a full-time job to attend UMD
• Other unusual expenses or one-time sources of income
• Addition of parent to the number in college (granted only if related to job / employment, retraining, career advancement / promotion)

Process

Students who wish to have their special circumstances reviewed, should submit a detailed letter describing the circumstance. You may be asked to submit additional documentation including copies of the most recent Federal tax return, W-2, and pay stubs to the Financial Aid Office.

A financial aid counselor will review the information contained in the letter and accompanying documentation and determine if an adjustment is warranted.