Overview
Need-based financial aid awards are based on calendar year income and resources from two years prior. In some cases, special circumstances may qualify for a re-evaluation of financial need. This re-evaluation is performed using more recent financial data.
For example, the 2024-2025 need-based aid are based on 2022 financial data. If a student/family experienced a change in their financial circumstance, SFS's Financial Aid Team could re-evaluate financial need eligibility using financial aid data corresponding to either the 2023 tax year or the 2024-25 academic year.
Eligibility
The Change in Financial Circumstances form reviews need-based eligibility for undergraduate students. Since graduate students are not eligible for need-based aid, they are not eligible to complete the form.
Circumstances Eligible for Review
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses, not covered by insurance
- Loss of child support
- Divorce or separation
- Death of parent or spouse
- K-12 private school tuition costs
Circumstances Not Eligible for Review
- Mortgage payments
- Market losses
- Credit card payments due to consumer debt
- Property taxes
- Parent refusal to help cover educational expenses
Process
- Complete the FAFSA/WASFA and complete any required verification of your FAFSA/WASFA.
- Have received an offer of financial assistance.
- Review the Change in Financial Circumstances form and collect required documentation listed on form.
- Submit form to SFS via email at sfs-forms@spu.edu, via fax at 206-281-2835 or in person in Demaray Hall 10
- SFS may need additional information when reviewing your form and we will send an email requesting additional document(s). The Change in Financial Circumstances form will not be considered complete until we have all required documentation.
- Once SFS has received a completed Change in Financial Circumstances form, allow up to 4-6 weeks for processing. This time frame may vary depending on the time of year and volume of requests our office receives. Please note that a submission of a change in financial circumstances form does not guarantee an adjustment of your financial aid package.
In accordance to federal regulations, all decisions are at the discretion of the Student Financial Services office and are final.