Financial Aid Appeals

At Gonzaga, our commitment to educating the whole person includes recognizing that each student's financial circumstances are unique.  In the spirit of our Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic mission, we believe in listening carefully, honoring the dignity of each family, and providing thoughtful, individualized support so that finances do not stand in the way of a Gonzaga education.

We understand that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may not fully reflect changes in income, unexpected challenges, or other personal circumstances that affect your family's ability to contribute.  Through a Special Conditions Appeal, our financial aid professionals will conduct a financial aid review.  Through this thoughtful review we will take the time to listen, apply expert judgement and ensure your financial aid package is complete, accurate and reflective of your current financial circumstances.  To begin this review, please select the option that best matches you or your student's status, and complete the appeal form linked below.  The form will guide you in sharing circumstances not captured on the FAFSA.

This initial form helps our team better understand your family's circumstances so we can thoughtfully review your request and determine next steps that best support you.  As part of our individualized review, we may reach out to request additional documentation to ensure we have a complete and accurate picture.   

Each request is reviewed carefully and individually by our financial aid professionals, with a commitment to fairness, responsible stewardship, and compliance with federal regulations.  While we approach every review with care and understanding, sharing additional information does not always result in a change to your financial aid.  Our goal is to ensure your financial aid package fully and accurately reflects your circumstances.  Below are additional examples of circumstances we can take into consideration.

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.