Request a Reconsideration of Your Aid

Families often request reconsideration due to a decrease in income. For example, if your parent(s)’ 2021 reported income on the FAFSA and CSS Profile may exceed their current income due to a job loss or other circumstances, we would request that you submit the following:

• An appeal form
• 2022 federal 1040 tax return(s) with all schedules
• 2022 W2 form(s)

If applicable, we would also request that you submit the following:

• Termination notice or signed letter of explanation from employer (on company letterhead)
• Severance documentation
• Unemployment benefits documentation

Appeals based on changes in income are most often approved after the end of the calendar year in which the change took place. For example, if your father lost his job in October of 2022, we’ll be most likely to make a decision on your appeal starting in January of 2023. If you submit an appeal before then, we will review it, but may not be able to offer assistance until the year has ended. 

Student Financial Support will consider appeals due to unreimbursed medical expenses within the student’s immediate family (Note: If the medical expenses are student-specific, refer to the budget adjustment request process). Please submit: 

• An appeal form
• Medical bill(s) confirming payment (exclude amount covered by insurance)
• Itemized bills tallied for total expenses paid

Medical expenses are most likely to impact aid eligibility when they exceed 10% of total household income.

If a parent has recently died or become disabled, we know this is a difficult time for your family, and we want to make the process of submitting an appeal as simple as possible. You are welcome to make an appointment with your financial aid adviser to discuss your personal situation, or you can simply submit the appeal form, along with: 

• Death certificate, if available, or verification of disability status 
• Verification of social security benefits received by any family members 
• Any inheritance or life insurance documentation 

If your family’s situation does not fit into any of the categories above, you may still submit an appeal. When you submit the form, please be sure to include a detailed written description of the factors impacting your family’s ability to contribute to your educational expenses, and include any documentation you have available.  

All situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, we cannot consider requests based on discretionary expenses (travel, hobbies, leisure, etc.), or situations that have not yet occurred (a future change in employment, etc.). 

The COA component for transportation is meant to cover two round trips, to and from campus for the beginning and end of term. The budget adjustment is for unexpected family emergencies. Any expenses for personal travel are not covered and cannot be considered for an adjustment.  

Documentation required:

• A written statement explaining the request. 
• Receipt/proof of purchase of tickets or mileage.  

The COA already has a generous consideration for books and supplies. This BAR should only be submitted if the required expenses exceed this. You must demonstrate that the textbooks and/or supplies required for your courses exceed the books, course materials, supplies, and equipment component of the COA.  

Documentation required:

• Syllabus/list of required textbooks/supplies with associated costs. 

Students may request a one-time adjustment during their undergraduate degree of up to $2,000 towards purchasing a laptop or desktop computer, along with necessary peripherals like keyboards and monitors. Other devices, like tablets and phones, will not be approved.  

Documentation required:

• Receipt/proof of purchase OR documentation of price (i.e., a screenshot showing the cost of the computer you intend to buy).

Students may request a lifetime total of $5,000 of grant assistance with emergency medical expenses. You must demonstrate that the expense was not covered by insurance and was for unexpected medical expenses, not elective/routine care. If expenses exceed $5,000, student may be eligible for loan eligibility. 

Documentation required:

• Receipt/proof of expenses. 

Your COA for on-campus living covers the cost of an average double room and a standard meal plan. Students who choose more expensive rooms or meal plans are expected to cover the additional expense unless there are special circumstances such as medical accommodations.

Documentation required:

• Proof of special circumstances. 

Your COA for off-campus living covers the average cost of rent and utilities for a room in a shared house or apartment near campus and groceries and other household expenses for the nine-month academic year. Students whose costs exceed the budgeted amount are expected to cover the additional expense unless there are special circumstances, such as medical accommodations. To calculate your expenses, prorate your lease for 9 months (if 12-month lease), review a month’s worth of groceries, and total utilities. Compare against the COA component to determine if expenses exceed it. 

Documentation required:

• Proof of special circumstance and documentation of expenses such as lease, utility bills, or a month of grocery bills. 

For an additional expense to be included in your COA, you must be able to demonstrate that the expense is necessary to your successful enrollment at Hopkins and that your COA does not otherwise cover it. 

Documentation required:

• Receipt/proof of expenses
• Proof of special circumstances.