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’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 graduate program

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

Learn more about each type of appeal below.

Special circumstance appeal

If you’ve faced financial hardship since you filed your FAFSA, you or your parents may be able to submit a change in income appeal. Note that filing an appeal will not necessarily result in an increase in aid. Contact Student Central to discuss your appeal options. You may access the dependent and independent forms online.

Dependency appeal

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. (Note that a parent’s inability or unwillingness to pay IU costs is not considered a reason for us to reclassify you as independent.) If you’re reclassified as independent, parental information will be removed from your Expected Family Contribution calculation.

To be considered for reclassification, you must show that your student-parent relationship is beyond repair or that there is an extenuating circumstance that shows you should be classified as an independent student. You must submit letters of explanation and third-party documentation. The Dependency Status Appeal form may be submitted online.

Previous dependency appeals

If you’re reclassified as independent, you’ll need to confirm each year that you still meet the conditions for being an independent student. You’ll receive an email in December with a link to a renewal form.

You should submit your FAFSA online by April 15, without including parent information. If we determine that you’re still independent, we’ll make sure your FAFSA correctly reflects your classification.

Academic progress appeal

Students who are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress should review the policy. If you had extenuating, unforeseen circumstances beyond your control which led to your not meeting the standards, an appeal may be submitted online.

The full academic progress appeal policy may be viewed online. We also have an online appeal form and self-correct form for those who now meet the standards on their own.

Preparatory coursework appeal

If you have received a bachelor’s degree and are taking preparatory coursework to gain admission to a graduate program, you may be eligible for financial aid. You must submit documentation from the graduate program you wish to enter that affirms you will be admitted to the program once your coursework is successfully completed. Students have one calendar year in their lifetime to receive aid for preparatory coursework.