When students and/or their families experience a change in financial circumstances, the information on the FAFSA may no longer accurately reflect their financial situation.  In some cases, the Mayville State Financial Aid Office may be able to adjust income information or budget information based on these special circumstances and unusual costs.  If your family has one or more of the following special circumstances or has experienced an expense listed under the budget adjustment list below, we encourage you to submit the Special Circumstance Form to have your financial aid eligibility re-evaluated.

A review does not guarantee additional financial support but does allow the Financial Aid Office to consider any loss of wages or out-of-pocket expenses you or your family incurred as a result of the incident.

Special Circumstances 

FAFSA adjustments may be considered for loss of income for the following reasons:

  • Loss of employment or reduction of income (due to change of job, reduction in hours worked, or retirement)
  • Death of a parent after the FAFSA was completed
  • Divorce or separation of student and spouse or parents after the FAFSA was completed
  • Loss or reduction of benefits, untaxed income, or child support
  • Roth IRA Rollover
  • Medical or dental expenses in excess of $3000 paid out of pocket by the student, spouse, or parents
  • Elementary or secondary school tuition paid by student, spouse, or parents

Budget Adjustments

All Mayville State students have an estimated cost of attendance or budget which sets a limit for the total financial aid that may be offered to a student.  In some cases, Mayville State Financial Aid staff can adjust the budget based on documented proof of certain educational expenses incurred by the student that exceed or are not included in the standard budget. 

If you have one of the following types of expenses, an adjustment of your budget may be possible.  An increased budget may allow you to qualify for Federal Work Study, borrow Subsidized Federal Loans rather than Unsubsidized Federal Loans, borrow private loans and Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans but typically doesn't result in increased grant eligibility. In some cases, students eligible for external scholarships and the ND State Grant may benefit from a budget increase. 

  • Childcare expenses
  • Computer purchase during the academic year
  • Unusual commuting expenses

Important Information

  • Submitting the Special Circumstance Form does not guarantee that you will be offered additional financial aid.
  • All documentation specified on the Special Circumstance Form must be submitted before a review can be completed.
  • If your review results in a change to your financial aid offer, it may include the addition of or an increase to a Federal Pell Grant or Direct Loan, or changing part of your Direct Loan from unsubsidized to subsidized. In some cases, no additional aid can be offered.
  • If parent information is required on the FAFSA, a contribution adjustment can only be made to the parent(s) income and/or assets. If the change in financial situation applies to the dependent student's income/assets, contact a financial aid administrator to discuss possible options. 
  • If you would like to visit with a member of our staff before submitting your appeal form, call us at 701-788-4893.

How to Request a Special Circumstance Review

  1. Print and complete the Special Circumstance Form. 
  2. Collect all required documentation listed on page 2 of the form.
  3. Contact Mayville State Financial Aid office with any questions at 701-788-4893.
  4. Submit your completed form and supporting documentation to Mayville State Financial Aid Office at our secure file drop, by mail, or drop off at our office.

MSU Financial Aid Office
330 Third Street NE
Mayville, ND  58257

2023-2024 Form (Summer 2024)

Once all documentation/information is received, the normal processing time for a contribution adjustment is 15-30 working days. You'll receive an email notification to your MSU student email account if your awards are revised. 

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