CSULA understands that many students and their families may have experienced changes since submitting their financial aid application. We want to ensure you know the steps to take if your family is facing financial loss or significant changes in circumstances that have impacted your situation.
Each appeal is reviewed individually. If you have any questions or are unsure whether an appeal is right for you, please reach out to Financial Aid and Scholarships for guidance. All appeal forms are available on the Forms page.
Income Adjustment Appeal
Students and families currently experiencing a significant income reduction may be eligible to file an Income Adjustment Appeal. Income appeals are meant to ensure that the information on the FAFSA or CADAA best represents a family's circumstances and ability to contribute to the student's Cost of Attendance. Income appeals are generally based on changes to income or assets.
If you (the student) are currently ineligible for financial aid, submitting an appeal will not change your ineligibility. Approval of Income Appeals is not guaranteed, and students should plan to cover their university balance, regardless of the appeal outcome
Circumstances that allow for an Income Adjustment:
- Loss of income or benefits
- Separation or Divorce
- Death of a parent
| Circumstance | Dependent Student | Independent Student | Eligibility to submit an Income Adjustment appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loss of employment | You and/or your parents earned income in 2024 is less than in 2021 or 2022 | Your and/or your spouses earned income for 2024 is less than in 2021 or 2022 | If you answered no, you are ineligible to submit an Income Adjustment Appeal for this purpose. If you answered yes, you are eligible to submit an appeal. |
| Loss of benefits | You and/or your parents received benefits in 2021 or 2022 that have now have ceased | You and/or your spouse received benefits in 2021 or 2022 that have now ceased | If you answered no, you are ineligible to submit an Income Adjustment Appeal for this purpose. If you answered yes, you are eligible to submit an appeal. |
| Separation/Divorce or Death of a Parent/Spouse | Your parents separated or divorced after you filed your FA Application OR parent listed on FA App died after submitting the application | You and/or your spouse separated or divorced after filing your FA App OR spouse listed on FA App died after submitting the application | If you answered no, you are ineligible to submit an Income Adjustment Appeal for this purpose. If you answered yes, you are eligible to submit an appeal. |
Cost of Attendance Appeal
Students and families facing higher medical and/or child care expenses may qualify to submit a Cost of Attendance Appeal. These costs can lead to an adjustment in your Cost of Attendance (COA). However, an increase in your COA does not affect your eligibility for need-based grant awards.
- Out of Pocket Medical Expenses
- Child Care Expenses
Unusual Circumstance Appeal
This appeal is for applicants who would like to request a review of their dependency status for financial aid consideration. Please read the following information before submitting an Unusual Circumstance Appeal. Federal regulations state that a student is considered independent for financial aid if they can answer yes to any one of the dependency questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
If you do not meet any of the criteria and feel your circumstances warrant review for independent status, submit this appeal, and supporting documents, to Financial Aid and Scholarships for review. Please note, that a student is not considered independent solely based on the following:
- Your parents do not claim you as a tax exemption;
- Your parents do not support your choice of academic major or courses;
- Your parents do not want to participate in paying for your educational costs;
- Your parents feel that they are unable to contribute toward your costs.
- You are financially independent of parents