Financial Aid Appeal Guidelines
The following guidelines are for UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY.
Graduate Students with financial concerns should contact the Graduate Aid Assistant Director, Lois Fitzpatrick Daley, at lfitzpatri@salemstate.edu.
We encourage you to file a Special Circumstances Appeal with our office if:
- You believe that the 2024 income information you provided on the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not accurately represent the present financial situation of your family and;
- You have unusual financial circumstances that significantly impact your ability to pay for college and;
- You have NOT declined any offered financial aid; this includes offered Federal and/or State loans ("self-help aid").
Through this process, we will work with you to verify the information you provide and credibly document your special circumstances to make changes to your FAFSA data.
For the Financial Aid Office to process a Special Circumstances Appeal, you must submit a valid 2026-2027 FAFSA and complete all requirements, including completing the federal financial aid verification process if selected.
Per federal regulations, appeals may be considered for the following reasons:
- Loss of employment
- Loss of supplemental income, untaxed income, or benefit(s)
- One-time income increase in 2024
- IRA Rollover, 401K/Retirement withdrawal, capital gains, inheritance, or settlement.
- Please submit a signed copy of your 2024 Federal 1040 form.
- Divorce or separation
- Disability or death of a parent (for a dependent student) or spouse (for an independent student)
- Unusual and excessive medical, dental, or mental health expenses 
Federal regulations prohibit certain circumstances in an appeal, including but not limited to the following:
- Tuition that is paid for private elementary/secondary schooling (unless due to professionally documented medical necessity)
- Personal choices and consumer debt. For example, wedding expenses, credit card bills, car payments, etc.
- Voluntary or involuntary reductions in overtime pay
- Business losses or shifts in commission sales
- One-year bonus income. For example, lottery winnings, pension payments, legal settlements, etc.
- Stock market loss, foreclosure, bankruptcy, scheduled retirement payouts.
It is important to note:
- Filing an appeal does not guarantee additional aid will be granted even if the request is approved. Award increases are contingent on funding levels and fund availability.
- Appeal processing can take between 4-6 weeks after all requested documents have been received
- Financial obligations to Salem State must be settled during the appeal process, and/or payment arrangements should be made. If your appeal results in additional funds being awarded, excess payment(s) will be refunded, or established payment plans will be adjusted.
- If the requested appeal documents are not received within two months of the request, we will conclude that you do not wish to pursue the appeal, and your appeal request will be closed.
To begin the 2026/27 appeal process, please complete the online appeal form listed below:
- Financial Aid Special Circumstances Appeal Form for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 terms
- You must submit 2024 W2s, 202 Tax Returns, and all applicable schedules.
- Instructions for submission are included in the form.