Special Considerations

Financial aid special considerations

Davenport University recognizes that many households have had a significant drop in income in the 2021 calendar year due to the pandemic and accompanying economic downturn. The information provided on the 2021-2022 FAFSA by students and families may not reflect the current economic situation.

Students, their spouses and parents (if the student is dependent) who have suffered a loss of income and/or job due to the COVID-19 pandemic or economic downturn, you should submit a Special Consideration Request.

We realize the income and assets reported on your FAFSA may not reflect your family’s current financial situation. Federal guidelines offer you and/or your parent(s) the opportunity to report current year financial circumstances that may affect your family’s ability to contribute to your educational costs. Changes in income and assets and circumstances, such as unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, expenses associated with a parent attending college, or a family member who recently became unemployed may affect your eligibility for financial aid.

Another type of special circumstance that may affect your eligibility for aid includes participation in a study abroad program or taking an unusually heavy credit load at DU. If you encounter either of these situations you may qualify for an increase in your student budget (Cost of Attendance) based upon the program costs and you should also complete a special consideration form. We will not adjust a student's budget for any reason other than Davenport-related expenses. You may submit a Special Consideration Form and the required documentation to the:

Davenport Financial Aid Office

6191 Kraft Avenue S.E.

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Fax # 616.732.1167
financialaid@davenport.edu

Need Help?

If you have questions about a special consideration, please contact your financial aid counselor on your campus.
If you are looking to complete forms for the 2022-2023 academic year click here.

Steps for 2022-2023

Davenport University recognizes that many households have had a significant drop in income in the 2022 calendar year due to the pandemic and accompanying economic downturn. The information provided on the 2022-2023 FAFSA by students and families may not reflect the current economic situation.

Students, their spouses and parents (if the student is dependent) who have suffered a loss of income and/or job due to the COVID-19 pandemic or economic downturn should submit a Special Consideration Request.

Special Consideration requests require careful review and additional processing time, so it will take some time. There is no guarantee a request will result in more aid or different types of aid awarded to you.

Review the circumstances below to determine which supporting documentation you will need to submit.
Submit your Special Consideration statement and supporting documentation to the address, fax listed above or through FA Doc Upload.

Listed below are reasons for Special Consideration. All listed documentation can be opened by the links provided.

Unemployment Special Consideration

If you, your spouse or a parent (if you are a dependent student) is unemployed, please submit the following documentation dated within 90 days:

A copy of the letter recently received from the state unemployment office: or
A copy of an unemployment benefits notice or statement: or
A copy of the layoff or termination notice
A copy of the last or most recent paystub for all places of employment for 2022
And the 2022-2023 unemployment status form.

Elementary and Secondary Tuition Costs

If you/your parent(s) paid tuition for private education in 2020, please provide the following:

A statement from the school(s) verifying the total paid in calendar year 2020 for each child, excluding the student entering Davenport.
Submit a signed copy of your 2020 federal tax return
Submit a signed copy of your parent’s 2020 federal tax return (Dependent students only)
And the Special Consideration Private Tuition Form

Number in Household Attending College

If your parent(s) attend or will attend college, please complete the enclosed form:

Please complete the 2022-2023 Certification of Parents in College Form.

Unusually High Medical/Dental Expenses Paid

If you/your parent(s) paid excessive medical expenses not covered by insurance or any other source in 2019, please provide the following:

Submit a signed copy of your 2020 federal tax return.
Submit a signed copy of your parent’s 2020 federal tax return (Dependent students only)
A signed copy of Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) from the 2020 federal tax returns OR receipts verifying medical/dental expenses PAID in 2020.
And the Special Consideration Medical Expenses form.

Income Reduction

If you/your parent(s) experienced a change to income in 2022.

INCOME REDUCTION/ CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT:

Copies of the last paycheck stubs from all 2022 employment: Student / Spouse / Parent(Dependent students only)
And the Income Reduction Special Consideration Request Form

SEPARATION/DIVORCE/DEATH OF PARENT OR SPOUSE:

Please submit supporting documentation (separation/divorce papers, death certificate)
Special Consideration Separation/Divorce/Death of Parent or Spouse Form
Submit a signed copy of your 2020 federal tax return including all schedules and W2’s.
Submit a signed copy of your parent's 2020 federal tax return including all schedules and W2’s. (Dependent students only)

RECEIPT OF ONE TIME INCOME IN 2020

(IRA/pension distribution, capital gain, bonus, etc.)

Please submit documentation verifying the nature and amount of this income.
Special Consideration Receipt of One Time Income Form
Submit a signed copy of your 2020 federal tax return including all schedules and W2’s.
Submit a signed copy of your parent’s 2020 federal tax return including all schedules and W2’s. (Dependent students only)