Financial Aid Appeals

At Gonzaga, we understand you may have unique financial circumstances that are not reflected in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and that these circumstances may impact you or your family's ability to contribute to your education.  As financial aid administrators, we have the ability to update your FAFSA through a Special Conditions Appeal.

To start the appeal process, please complete an appeal form linked below.  You should select the form that corresponds with you or your student's status.  The appeal form will help us better understand your family's circumstances not reflected in your FAFSA application.  Many families file an appeal due to a loss of income or exceptional financial hardship, and you'll find a list of other circumstances we may be able to consider below.   

This initial form allows us to review the information and advance your request to best serve your family's needs.  Additional documentation may be requested for us to review your appeal.

Once submitted, your appeal will be reviewed individually to ensure fairness and compliance with federal regulations.  It's important to note that while we consider appeals with empathy and understanding, consideration of such circumstances does not always result in additional funding.

Circumstances we can take into consideration:

• Loss of wages or benefit of a parent or spouse.
• Divorce or separation.
• Medical expenses in excess of 10% of your annual income not covered by insurance.
• Additional family members attending college.
• National or natural disaster.
• Death of a parent or spouse.
• K-12 private school tuition costs.
• Support paid to extended family members.

Circumstances we cannot take into consideration:

• Inability to liquidate assets.
• Mortgage payments.
• Property taxes.
• Consumer debt.
• Parent refusal to help cover educational expenses.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for financial aid appeals apply to all returning, confirmed and and accepted undergraduate students at Gonzaga University.  This process reviews need-based eligibility for students.  Since graduate students are not eligible for need-based aid, they would not be eligible for a Special Conditions Appeal.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions!  The best way to get ahold of us is via email at finaid@gonzaga.edu, or via phone at 509-313-6582.  For additional questions or concerns you are invited to schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor.