Financial aid eligibility is calculated using two years' prior income and assets, which are provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

An institution has the authority to use professional judgment on a case-by-case basis to adjust elements in the federal need analysis to take into consideration special circumstances where the income reported does not adequately represent income available for the academic year.

Each income appeal is reviewed on an individual basis by the Office of Student Financial Aid or the Student Financial Aid Advisory Committee, or both. If a student is not satisfied with the initial decision, he or she may submit an additional appeal either by a letter or in person directly to the Student Financial Aid Advisory Committee.

Additional appeal decisions of the Student Financial Aid Advisory Committee are final. The director of Student Financial Aid retains the discretion of professional judgment, where permitted, in individual cases.

In order to request an appeal, students must submit an Income Appeal Form (PDF). It is important that comprehensive documentation is provided to give the Student Financial Aid office sufficient information to make a decision. This documentation may include pay stubs, letters from employers showing loss of employment, income tax documents and expense reports.

If you have questions about this policy, contact the Student Financial Aid Office, G035 Dykes Library, at 913-588-5170 or email financialaid@kumc.edu.