Special Circumstances

If you or your family experienced a recent hardship that is not reflected on your FAFSA, such as loss of income or unexpected medical expenses, the Office of Financial Aid has the ability to review how much financial aidÌýyou may be eligible to receive.

Income Loss or Medical Expenses

Now Available: 2025-26 Income Calculator

ÌýThe income calculator for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 school year is available in Buff Portal. See step-by-step instructions on completing an income calculation below.

You may complete an income calculation to account for the change in your family'sÌýfinancial situation. The income calculation will determine if your financial aid needs to be reevaluated. Qualifying for grants as a result of this processÌýis rare and highly unlikely. If your income change qualifies forÌýan adjustment, aid is typically provided as additional loan eligibility.

The deadline to to be reconsidered for aid is three weeks before the end of the term for which you are requesting the reevaluation. We cannot negotiate financial aid offers orÌýmatch another school’s offer.

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Circumstances we typically consider:

  • Loss of employment
  • Substantial change in income
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Separation or divorce
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • Loss of child support or alimony
  • House fire or other natural disaster affecting the home in which you live

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Circumstances we do not consider:

  • Different university offering more aid
  • Reduced 401K values
  • Reduced investment values
  • Credit card debt or car payments
  • Parent's inability or unwillingness to borrow Parent PLUS loans
  • If student already has Student Aid Index (SAI) of -1,500Ìýto 0

How much financial aid will I receive?

It depends. The following are examples of special circumstances which illustrate the likelihood of a reevaluation of financial aid eligibility. Please note that each family's situation is unique and we take many factors into account. Ìý

Please be aware that these income scenarios do not reflect assets or investments, which couldÌýchange your eligibility.

Family Income: $30,000
  • Colorado resident
  • Parent job loss, new incomeÌý$20,000 ($10,000 loss)

Outcome:
A student in this scenario is already receiving the maximum amount of financial aid available andÌýwould not result in additional financial aid.

Family Income: $250,000
  • Nonresident
  • Parent job loss, new income $150,000 ($100,000 loss)

Outcome:
Revised financial aid would be limited toÌýloans, possiblyÌýswitched from unsubsidizedÌýtoÌýsubsidized (delayedÌýinterest). The updated incomeÌýis still too high to qualify for grants.

Family Income: $115,000
  • Colorado resident
  • Medical expenses of $25,000 not covered by insurance

Outcome:
Student would be encouraged to submit supporting documentation as their revised income would likely result in additional grant eligibility.

Am I eligible for grants?

Grants are typically given to low-income students and eligibility is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI). Your SAI is a formulaÌýcreated by the FAFSA to determine your family's ability to pay for college.ÌýIt is not the amount of money your family will need to pay,