Financial Aid & Scholarship Office, CSU, Chico
Changes in Circumstances
Financial
Students and their families may face situations where the original application information does not accurately reflect their current circumstances and ability to pay for college. When students apply for financial aid, the financial data elements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) reflect the previous year's earnings of students and their parents, as reported on their federal income tax or equivalent.
The FAFSA is considered to be a "snapshot" of the family's financial situation as of the date it is submitted. The expected family contribution (EFC) is calculated according to a federal formula that uses the household and financial information to determine a student/and or family's financial strength. The EFC represents the portion of your own and your family's financial resources that can reasonably be expected pay for college.
When Financial Circumstances Change
Even if you feel the FAFSA will not reflect changed financial circumstances in the current year, complete the FAFSA as best you can, supplying the information requested, and submitting it to Federal Student Aid. CSU, Chico has a formal institutional appeal process to handle unusual circumstances or emergency hardships. Students may submit an exceptional circumstances appeal form to help determine if your unusual circumstances bear consideration in reevaluating your financial aid eligibility.
For additional information, view Appeals.
Dependency Status: Dependent or Independent?
Your student dependency status is determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on your responses to the questions in section two of the FAFSA. To appeal your dependency status, you must clearly demonstrate an adverse family situation in order for us to consider you independent for financial aid purposes. This is called a dependency override, and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
For additional information, view Appeals.
Other Changes in Circumstances
Assistance from Other Sources
Federal regulations require that assistance from other sources be coordinated with financial aid. Your eligibility may be affected by external sources of assistance, including private scholarships, veterans' benefits or Cal-Vet fee waiver, stipends, other fee waivers, and educational benefits. Print and complete a financial aid update to notify us if you are receiving a scholarship from a source other than CSU, Chico, or if your fees are being paid or waived by another source.
Print and complete a Financial Aid Update (PDF)
Household and Family
Please contact our office if you think changes in family or household may affect your aid eligibility.