There are several reasons you might want to file an appeal:

• If you’ve had a big change in income since you filed your FAFSA
• If you can document expenses greater than your estimated cost of attendance
• If you’re classified as a dependent on your FAFSA but you feel you should be classified as independent
• If we determine you are not making satisfactory academic progress
• If you are seeking financial aid while taking preparatory coursework to gain admission to an IU Bloomington graduate program

If you choose to file an appeal for any of these reasons, please do so at least 30 days before the end of the term. You should receive a decision within 15 business days after you submit your appeal, though it may take longer during busy times of the year.

Each type of appeal requires a different form. Read the form carefully and be sure to submit all signatures, explanations, and documentation required. You may submit forms in person at Student Central or scan and upload your documentation through our secure contact form.

Learn more about each type of appeal below.

Academic progress appeal

Fill out an academic progress appeal form if you want to appeal our decision that you aren’t making satisfactory academic progress.

Change in income appeal

If you’ve faced financial hardship since you filed your FAFSA, you or your parents may be able to submit a change in income appeal. Note that filing an appeal will not necessarily result in an increase in aid. Contact Student Central to discuss your appeal options or to request a change of income appeal form.

Consortium appeal

If you’re a degree-seeking student at IU Bloomington and would like to receive aid while enrolled at another IU campus, you’ll need to file a consortium appeal.

Cost of attendance appeal

You may be eligible for additional financial aid if you can show expenses greater than your estimated cost of attendance.

If you’re classified as a dependent on your FAFSA but feel there are reasons you should be considered independent instead, you can file a dependency appeal. (Note that a parent’s inability or unwillingness to pay IU costs is not considered a reason for us to reclassify you as independent.) If you’re reclassified as independent, parental information will be removed from your Expected Family Contribution calculation.

To be considered for reclassification, you must show that your student-parent relationship is beyond repair or that there is an extenuating circumstance that shows you should be classified as an independent student. You must submit the following documentation:

You can mail your documentation or bring it in person to Student Central, or use our secure contact form to submit your documentation. Select “Appeals” under “Financial Aid” as the topic of your message.

Previous dependency appeals

If you’re reclassified as independent, you’ll need to confirm each year that you still meet the conditions for being an independent student. You’ll receive an email in December with a link to a previous dependency appeal confirmation form. (You can also pick up a form at Student Central.)

You should submit your FAFSA online by March 10, without including parent information. If we determine that you’re still independent, we’ll make sure your FAFSA correctly reflects your classification.

Preparatory coursework appeal

If you have received a bachelor’s degree and are taking preparatory coursework to gain admission to an IU Bloomington graduate program, you may be eligible for financial aid. You and the graduate program you wish to enter must fill out a preparatory coursework appeal to affirm that you will be admitted to the program once your coursework is successfully completed.