{"id":26,"date":"2024-04-22T15:14:06","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T15:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/?page_id=26"},"modified":"2026-06-23T20:04:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T01:04:52","slug":"fafsa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/fafsa\/","title":{"rendered":"FAFSA and FAFSA Verification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"newExpandable\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-the-fafsa-free-application-for-federal-student-aid\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablewhat-is-the-fafsa-free-application-for-federal-student-aid\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-is-the-fafsa-free-application-for-federal-student-aid\">What is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-is-the-fafsa-free-application-for-federal-student-aid\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-the-fafsa-free-application-for-federal-student-aid\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>Once you have applied for admission, your next step is to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the federal application used to apply for federal programs (grants, work-study, student \/ parent loans), state programs (TN Student Assistance Award, Lottery Scholarships, etc.), and various need-based scholarships. You are required to complete the FAFSA each academic year.  The FAFSA is typically available on October 1 for each award year.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingfafsa-terminology\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablefafsa-terminology\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablefafsa-terminology\">FAFSA Terminology<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablefafsa-terminology\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingfafsa-terminology\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"Terminology\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-a-contributor\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-contributor\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-contributor\">What is a contributor?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-contributor\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-a-contributor\" data-bs-parent=\"#Terminology\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A contributor is anyone who is required to provide information on the FAFSA form, including the student, the student\u2019s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, and\/or the parent\u2019s spouse (inclusive of step-parent).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being a contributor does not imply responsibility for the student&#8217;s college costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students will need the contributor\u2019s name and email address to invite them to complete the required portion of the FAFSA.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contributors will receive an invitation email. After clicking on the link in the email, the contributor will be directed to the Log In page. After logging on with their FSA ID, the parent \/ spouse will be taken to the Accept FAFSA Invitation Page. The Invitation code from the email automatically fills in the text box if the contributor used the link from the email. The contributor will need to provide personal and financial information on their section of the FAFSA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your biological\/adoptive parents are divorced or separated from each other, the contributing parent(s) is the parent (and their spouse, if remarried) who provided the greater portion of your financial support during the 12 months immediately prior to filing the FAFSA.&nbsp;If you did not receive any support from either parent(s) or they both contributed 50% to your support, then it is the parent with the highest income and assets.&nbsp;<strong><em>It is no longer the parent you primarily lived with during the past 12 months.<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-consent\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseTerminologywhat-is-consent\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-consent\">What is consent?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-consent\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-consent\" data-bs-parent=\"#Terminology\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All Contributors\u2013student, student&#8217;s spouse (if married), and student&#8217;s parents(s) (if a dependent student)\u2013must provide consent to have tax data transferred directly from the IRS to the FAFSA, even if you did not file a tax return.&nbsp; However, for a dependent student, only the student and one parent(if married) must sign the FAFSA if:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>for the 2025 &#8211; 2026 FAFSA, the parent filed a 2023 tax return as married filing joint and are still married to each other on the date the FAFSA is completed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>for the 2026 &#8211; 2027 FAFSA, the parent filed a 2024 tax return as married filing joint and are still married to each other on the date the FAFSA is completed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If consent is not provided by all required parties, the student will not be eligible for federal financial aid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In previous years, transferring IRS data was optional. It is now required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the IRS is unable to transfer your data, then you will be instructed to manually enter the required information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-a-student-aid-index-sai\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-student-aid-index-sai\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-student-aid-index-sai\">What is a Student Aid Index (SAI)?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-student-aid-index-sai\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-a-student-aid-index-sai\" data-bs-parent=\"#Terminology\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a formula-based index number ranging from -1500 to 999999. Your SAI is calculated using information that you (and other contributors, if required) provide on the FAFSA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where your SAI falls within the SAI range helps your school determine how much financial support you may need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your SAI is not a dollar amount of aid you&#8217;ll receive, it is not the amount your family is expected to provide, and it is not your final financial aid offer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-is-a-fafsa-submission-summary-fss\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-fafsa-submission-summary-fss\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-fafsa-submission-summary-fss\">What is a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseTerminologywhat-is-a-fafsa-submission-summary-fss\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-is-a-fafsa-submission-summary-fss\" data-bs-parent=\"#Terminology\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>The FAFSA Submission Summary is the summary submission document you receive after completing the FAFSA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingstudentaid-gov-account-fsa-id\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseTerminologystudentaid-gov-account-fsa-id\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseTerminologystudentaid-gov-account-fsa-id\">StudentAid.gov Account (FSA ID)<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseTerminologystudentaid-gov-account-fsa-id\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingstudentaid-gov-account-fsa-id\" data-bs-parent=\"#Terminology\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your StudentAid.gov account username and password combination, sometimes called your FSA ID, is a set of log-in credentials that you create in order to gain access to the U.S. Department of Education&#8217;s online systems, such as the FAFSA application. Your account credentials can serve as your legal signature when completing electronic documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically, every contributor must have their own account username and password in order to submit the FAFSA online.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, in the case of a dependent student whose parents filed a joint return for the applicable tax year and are still married at the time the FAFSA is completed, only one of the parent is considered a contributor and needs an account username and password.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the student is now married or remarried after the tax year required on the FAFSA, then the student and the student&#8217;s spouse will need an account username and password.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the student&#8217;s parent is now married or remarried after the tax year required on the FAFSA, then the student, biological\/adoptive parent, and step-parent will need an account username and password.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A contributor who does not have a Social Security Number <\/strong>can create an account if you are a parent or spouse of a student who is completing the FAFSA. Accounts created without SSNs have limited functionality but can immediately access the FAFSA form. For more information, please visit<a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/help-center\/answers\/article\/verify-identity-create-account-dont-have-ssn\"> Don&#8217;t Have a SSN<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/fsa-id\/create-account\/launch\">https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/fsa-id\/create-account\/launch<\/a>&nbsp;to create an Account Username and Password.&nbsp; An email address can only be attached to one account and cannot be used by multiple users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingfuture-act-direct-data-exchange-fa-ddx\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseTerminologyfuture-act-direct-data-exchange-fa-ddx\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseTerminologyfuture-act-direct-data-exchange-fa-ddx\">FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX)<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseTerminologyfuture-act-direct-data-exchange-fa-ddx\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingfuture-act-direct-data-exchange-fa-ddx\" data-bs-parent=\"#Terminology\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>The FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) transfers a student or any required contributor&#8217;s Federal Tax Information from the IRS to the FAFSA once consent is given.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingfiling-your-fafsa\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablefiling-your-fafsa\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablefiling-your-fafsa\">Filing your FAFSA<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablefiling-your-fafsa\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingfiling-your-fafsa\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>You (and parents as applicable) should apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studentaid.gov<\/a>. The FSA ID is used to login to certain federal websites to access financial aid information and to electronically sign federal student aid documents such as the FAFSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the <strong>2025-26 award year<\/strong>&nbsp;(Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026), you can complete the FAFSA at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studentaid.gov<\/a>&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;<strong>December 1, 2024<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 2025-26 MTSU <strong>FAFSA filing priority date is March 1, 2025<\/strong> to be considered for maximum financial aid assistance. However, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, beginning December 1, 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2025-26 FAFSA income information is based on prior-prior year (2023) income, which eliminates the need to estimate tax information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the FAFSA, enter the MTSU school code of 003510 so that we get the results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You (and parents \/ spouse as applicable) are&nbsp;<strong>required<\/strong>&nbsp;to use the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) to import your 2023 IRS tax information into the FAFSA. Doing so will reduce the chance that MTSU will be required to verify the accuracy of your information.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the <strong>2026-27 award year<\/strong>&nbsp;(Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027), you can complete the FAFSA at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studentaid.gov<\/a>&nbsp;beginning October<strong> 1, 202<\/strong>5.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 2026-27 MTSU <strong>FAFSA filing priority date is March 1, 2026<\/strong> to be considered for maximum financial aid assistance. However, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, beginning October 1, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2026-27 FAFSA income information is based on prior-prior year (2024) income, which eliminates the need to estimate tax information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the FAFSA, enter the MTSU school code of 003510 so that we get the results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You (and parents \/ spouse as applicable) are&nbsp;<strong>required<\/strong>&nbsp;to use the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) to import your 2024 IRS tax information into the FAFSA. Doing so will reduce the chance that MTSU will be required to verify the accuracy of your information.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-if-my-parents-refuse-to-complete-the-fafsa-but-i-have-contact-with-them\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablewhat-if-my-parents-refuse-to-complete-the-fafsa-but-i-have-contact-with-them\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-if-my-parents-refuse-to-complete-the-fafsa-but-i-have-contact-with-them\">What if my parents refuse to complete the FAFSA but I have contact with them?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-if-my-parents-refuse-to-complete-the-fafsa-but-i-have-contact-with-them\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-if-my-parents-refuse-to-complete-the-fafsa-but-i-have-contact-with-them\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the parents of a dependent student are unwilling to provide their information on the FAFSA, but the student doesn\u2019t have an unusual circumstance, the student can choose to have their school determine their eligibility for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The school will have to document that the parent is unwilling to complete the FAFSA.&nbsp; Typically, the parent will sign a form indicating their refusal to complete the FAFSA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This will prevent the student from receiving any federal or state financial aid other that Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingwhat-if-i-dont-have-contact-with-my-parents\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablewhat-if-i-dont-have-contact-with-my-parents\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-if-i-dont-have-contact-with-my-parents\">What if I don&#8217;t have contact with my parents?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablewhat-if-i-dont-have-contact-with-my-parents\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingwhat-if-i-dont-have-contact-with-my-parents\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>If students indicate on the FAFSA that they have unusual circumstances that prevents them from contacting their parent or that contacting their parents would pose a risk to the student, the FAFSA will be processed based on a provisional independent status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>However, you do not qualify for aid under a provisional independent status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An MTSU Financial Aid administrator must verify the student&#8217;s circumstances and determine whether a dependency override is warranted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A student may be experiencing unusual circumstances if they\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>left home due to an abusive or threatening environment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>are abandoned by or estranged from their parents and have not been adopted;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>have refugee or asylee status and are separated from their parents, or their parents are displaced in a foreign county;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>are victim of human trafficking;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>are incarerated, or their parents are incarcerated and contact with the parents would pose a risk to the student; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>are otherwise unable to contact or locate their parents and have not been adopted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For more information, see Professional Judgment \/ Special Cases below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingyour-fafsa-application-results\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableyour-fafsa-application-results\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableyour-fafsa-application-results\">Your FAFSA Application Results<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableyour-fafsa-application-results\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingyour-fafsa-application-results\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>Once you have filed your FAFSA, you will receive an electronic or paper response from the FAFSA processor called the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). The FSS will give you some basic information about your eligibility for federal student aid and will also list your answers to questions on the FAFSA. It is very important that you review the FSS carefully and make sure that all information is correct as listed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your FSS will also include a number called the SAI, or Student Aid Index. Based on a federal formula, the SAI is a number (which may be negative) that is used to determine financial aid eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Review your FSS carefully and follow the directions provided to make corrections to any information that is incorrect. Your FSS may also direct you to supply additional or supplementary information to the MTSU Financial Aid Office. Please plan to follow those instructions as quickly as possible, so that we may get your FAFSA results well in advance of the semester you plan to attend. If MTSU has been listed as a school of choice on your FAFSA, we generally receive the results within 3 &#8211; 5 business days. Our office will review an electronic version of your FSS to see if additional or supplementary information is needed.  If additional information is needed, MTSU will contact you via your MTSU email account,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please respond promptly to all requests from the Federal FAFSA Processor on your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) and\/or to requests directly from MTSU. Unsatisfied requirements can be viewed in the Financial Aid Requirements &amp; Holds&nbsp;section of your PipelineMT&nbsp;account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial aid can&#8217;t be awarded or paid to your student account unless all requested information and documentation has been submitted and reviewed by the Financial Aid Office.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingfafsa-verification\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandablefafsa-verification\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandablefafsa-verification\">FAFSA Verification\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandablefafsa-verification\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingfafsa-verification\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>If you have been selected for FAFSA verification, you are not alone! Verification is a process by which the federal government asks students and their parents \/ spouse for some additional information to check the accuracy of FAFSA information. If you are selected for verification, MTSU <strong>must <\/strong>collect the required documentation and complete the verification process with you <strong>before<\/strong> any financial aid can be awarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your FAFSA is selected for verification, you will receive an email notification sent to your MT email account instructing you to review your missing requirements. Please respond promptly to all requests for information. You cannot be awarded financial aid until the verification process has been completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When you provide consent to retrieve and disclose federal tax information on the FAFSA application, the U.S. Department of Education will obtain the federal tax information directly from the IRS.  <\/strong>This information is already verified, so you will typically not be required to turn in additional tax information unless you have amended a tax return. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, we will request a signed copy of your \/ parent \/ spouse 1040 tax return(s), if needed.  There are occasions in which you can submit a tax return transcript.  The tax return transcript can be requested directly from the IRS by calling 1-800-908-9946 or visiting the IRS website. Be sure to request the tax return transcript, and <strong>not<\/strong> the tax account transcript.&nbsp;<strong>The student\u2019s MTSU ID number should be included on each page of documents submitted for the verification process.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"2023verification\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinghow-will-i-know-if-i-have-been-selected-for-verification\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse2023verificationhow-will-i-know-if-i-have-been-selected-for-verification\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse2023verificationhow-will-i-know-if-i-have-been-selected-for-verification\">How will I know if I have been selected for verification?<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapse2023verificationhow-will-i-know-if-i-have-been-selected-for-verification\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinghow-will-i-know-if-i-have-been-selected-for-verification\" data-bs-parent=\"#2023verification\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>It is very important that you check your MT Mail account regularly, and that you periodically log in to your PipelineMT account and check the Financial Aid Requirements &amp; Holds page for any unsatisfied requirements and\/or requirement messages. If you are selected for verification, you will be notified by email sent to your MT Mail account. You will be directed to your PipelineMT account to review&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/forms\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">instructions<\/a>&nbsp;and a list of the documents that must be submitted before financial aid can be awarded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The U.S. Department of Education can select students for verification throughout the aid year.  Please monitor your MT Mail account for requests.  Failure to provide the documentation can result in aid not being disbursed or you being required to pay aid previously awarded.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingif-selected-for-verification-what-do-i-need-to-do\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse2023verificationif-selected-for-verification-what-do-i-need-to-do\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse2023verificationif-selected-for-verification-what-do-i-need-to-do\">If selected for verification, what do I need to do?\u00a0<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapse2023verificationif-selected-for-verification-what-do-i-need-to-do\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingif-selected-for-verification-what-do-i-need-to-do\" data-bs-parent=\"#2023verification\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>Begin by reviewing our document \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/forms\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Completing Verification Requirements<\/a>\u201d.&nbsp;MTSU may be required to verify any or all of the following data elements on your FAFSA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Adjusted Gross Income for student and parent (if dependent) or spouse (if married)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taxes Paid for student and parent (if dependent) or spouse (if married)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Income Earned from Work (for non-tax filers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain asset items&nbsp;for student and parent (if dependent) or spouse (if married)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family Size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any other inconsistent or conflicting information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identity<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To verify these elements, we may ask for the following documents; however, this is not a complete list. Specific documents requested will be based on your individual case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Copies of the specified year tax return for&nbsp;student and parent (if dependent) or spouse (if married)&nbsp;**See tax information below<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Verification Worksheet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>W-2s showing wages&nbsp;for&nbsp;student and parent (if dependent) or spouse (if married)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statement of child support received<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verification of net worth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Student must appear in person and provide an unexpired valid government-issued photo identification (ID) such as a driver&#8217;s license, non-driver&#8217;s identification card, other state-issued ID, or passport.  If you are not able to appear in person, you must email MTOneStop@mtsu and explain the reason for why you cannot appear in person.  Additional instructions will be provided after your explanation is reviewed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once verification begins, we may need to ask for additional items based on the documentation submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other Items may be selected to be verified<\/strong>, such as veteran status, citizenship and\/or eligible non-citizenship status, etc.  The Financial Aid Office may use the federal SAVE system to verify your citizenship or eligible non-citizenship status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are selected for verification, the notification you receive via MT email will direct you to your PipelineMT account to review instructions and a list of the documents that must be submitted before financial aid can be awarded. In general, your requirements may include all or many of the following. However, this is not a complete list, and your individual case may require that we request additional documents to meet all federal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Verification Worksheet:<\/strong>&nbsp;The verification process will begin with filing the correct&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/forms\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Verification Worksheet for Dependent or Independent Students<\/a>. Dependent or Independent status as defined by the FAFSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX):<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have used the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) when filing your FAFSA, you will usually not have to submit tax transcripts from the IRS if selected for verification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may use the FA-DDX if the federal tax return(s) have been filed, if you have a valid social security number, and if you have a federal student aid account username and password<strong>.<\/strong> If you filed an amended return, you must submit a signed copy of all pages of the original tax return or a Tax Return Transcript, and a signed copy of the IRS 1040X form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tax Transcript from the IRS:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not, or cannot, use the Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX), you must submit the tax transcript from the IRS. Students and parents can request a copy of their Tax Return Transcript and Wage and Income Transcripts through the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.irs.gov\/Individuals\/Get-Transcript\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IRS website<\/a>. If you are unable to obtain a tax return transcript, you may submit a signed copy of your tax return, along with Schedules 1 and 3, if applicable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Didn\u2019t file taxes?&nbsp;<\/strong>If you (spouse, if applicable) and\/or your parents have not and are not required to file a tax return, you will be required to confirm and document this information on the requested form. The income earned from work must also be documented by listing each employer and submitting copies of all W-2s received during the calendar year being verified. &nbsp;If a W-2 is not available, you may submit a Wage and Income Transcript obtained through the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.irs.gov\/Individuals\/Get-Transcript\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IRS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Verification Impact to TELS Awards:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;If you have been selected for verification and are eligible to receive the Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship (and Merit Supplement, if eligible), starting in mid July prior to the start of the Fall semester, we will automatically review and award your Lottery Scholarship(s) depending on your eligiblity. Please note that you will not be eligible for any other types of aid until verification has been completed, this does include;&nbsp; the Tennessee Aspire Lottery Scholarship and Tennessee Non-Traditional HOPE Scholarship. Once verification has been completed, we will review and award you the Tennessee ASPIRE Lottery Scholarship or Tennessee Non-Traditional HOPE Scholarship if eligible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingprofessional-judgment-special-cases\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableprofessional-judgment-special-cases\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableprofessional-judgment-special-cases\">Professional Judgment \/ Special Cases<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableprofessional-judgment-special-cases\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingprofessional-judgment-special-cases\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>When a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it asks a set of general questions as well as very specific questions in regard to personal, biographical, and financial information.&nbsp; Unfortunately, we know that life happens and there is no place to indicate on the FAFSA that something has changed. For this reason, financial aid administrators are given the authority to make professional judgment decisions to account for these extenuating circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four categories of professional judgments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The first category is called a Special Circumstance.&nbsp;<\/strong>This is when the family has experienced a financial situation that justifies an adjustment to FAFSA data that affects the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation or data elements in the Financial Aid Cost of Attendance.&nbsp; &nbsp;For example, since the FAFSA is based on prior-prior year income, families may experience a significant loss of income in the following year due to an extenuating circumstance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The second category is called an Unusual Circumstance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>An Unusual Circumstance is specifically for students that are unable to include parental information on the FAFSA due to parental abuse, neglect, abandonment, incarceration, or institutionalization. This circumstance allows financial aid administrators to update a student\u2019s dependency status based on explained and documentable circumstances.&nbsp;<em>It is more commonly referred to as a dependency override.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The other special situation is Homeless Determination.<\/strong>A Homeless Determination is when a student is unaccompanied, lacks fixed housing, or is in imminent risk of being homeless, like due to eviction. These decisions are made by authorized personnel, like the MT One Stop Outreach Coordinator or a school district homeless liaison. Once a determination is made the financial aid administrator can update a student\u2019s status within the FAFSA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unsubsidized Only Loans(Parental Refusal to complete FAFSA). <\/strong>The option for a student to only use unsubsidized student loans can only occur when the student is unable to complete an approved Unusual Circumstance Request and their parent refuses to assist in completing the FAFSA. A student\u2019s FAFSA cannot include parental consent when pursuing this option. <strong>This will also prevent the student from receiving the vast majority of other financial aid that could be eligible to them.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>More information and how to apply for one of these circumstances can be found by clicking on the categories below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"professional\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingspecial-circumstances\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseprofessionalspecial-circumstances\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseprofessionalspecial-circumstances\">Special Circumstances<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseprofessionalspecial-circumstances\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingspecial-circumstances\" data-bs-parent=\"#professional\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAFSA Ajustments used to Calculate Financial Aid Eligibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A student\u2019s initial financial aid eligibility is based on prior, prior year tax return information, untaxed income, asset amounts, and household information that was provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While most families might not experience a great deal of change from year to year, this of course is not the case for all families. If there have been extenuating circumstances that have caused a significant difference in household income, the Special Circumstance process allows financial aid administrators to update a student\u2019s financial aid eligibility based on these documentable extenuating circumstances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few examples of common requests that we will and won&#8217;t consider.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will Consider<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Won&#8217;t Consider<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Loss or change of employment<\/td><td>&nbsp;General fluctuations in yearly income<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Death of Parent\/Spouse<\/td><td>&nbsp;Standard living expenses or standard maintenance on homes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Unusual out-of-pocket, paid medical expenses&nbsp;<\/td><td>&nbsp;Credit card or other personal debts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Loss or change in amount of child support<\/td><td>&nbsp;Car payments<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Loss or change in amount of Social Security<\/td><td>&nbsp;Mortage payments<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Loss or change in amount of other taxable benefits&nbsp;<\/td><td>&nbsp;Vacation, tithing expenses, or gambling winning\/losses<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to request a Special Circumstance review:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Submit a Special Circumstance Form<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the parent income on the FAFSA has changed, complete the Parent Special Circumstance Form. A student will need to initiate the form first, after which the parent will receive an email with a link to the form initiated by the student.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the student and\/or spouse income on the FAFSA has changed, complete the Student Special Circumstance Form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/forms\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"30\">Special Circumstance Forms<\/a> can be found <strong>under the Verification forms section<\/strong> on the Financial Aid Forms page.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note:&nbsp;<\/strong> MTSU uses an online form system that allows the student and parent to complete and sign electronically.&nbsp; Students sign in using their MTSU login information.&nbsp; Parents will receive an email that allows them to create an account the first time they complete a form.&nbsp; The parent can use the same account to complete MTSU financial aid forms for multiple children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here is what to expect:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Based on your reason(s) for the special circumstance, the online application will walk you through questions to collect information and to narrow down the type of documentation that should be submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Helpful Hints:<\/strong> &nbsp; <strong>Be detailed in your explanation on the form.<\/strong> <strong>Upload your supporting documentation when you submit the form.<\/strong> <strong>Never submit original documents that you may want back. Paper documents are scanned and then shredded.<\/strong> <strong>The more information provided in your explanation and submitting all requested documentation up front &amp; at the same time will speed up the timeframe in which you will receive a decision!<\/strong> <strong>However, if you need to send in documentation later, you should submit it using the MT One Stop Drop Box located in the right-hand section on their website at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/one-stop\/index.php\">https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/one-stop\/index.php<\/a><strong>.&nbsp; Do NOT email or fax documents that includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After the form and documentation is received, a financial aid administrator will initially review your request. Because MTSU must be able to justify any adjustments it makes to the FAFSA, the MTSU Financial Aid Office will require official documentation and may put your request on hold until official tax records and other documents can be provided before a decision is made.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If additional clarification or documentation is needed, the student will be notified by campus email or through messaging in PipelineMT. A decision cannot be made until&nbsp;<strong>ALL <\/strong>required documentation is received.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generally, if the loss of income occurred in the prior year, it takes approximately 2 weeks from the time <strong><u>ALL <\/u><\/strong>required documentation has been submitted to receive a decision.&nbsp; However, if your request is submitted for the Fall semester and the loss of income occurred in the current tax year, then you will most likely be required to submit a completed tax return for that year. &nbsp;In this case, if aid eligibility changes based on adjustments from actual income earned once you file an official tax return at the end of January\/first of February, you may be retroactively paid for completed courses from the Fall semester.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even though your loss of income may reduce your Student Aid Index (SAI), it may not change your eligibility for financial aid.&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>In these cases, the student will be notified that the request has been reviewed but not processed since it would not change aid eligibility.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision of the financial aid administrator is final. Federal statute does not give the Department of Education the authority to override the administrator\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost of Attendance Adjustments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A student\u2019s Cost of Attendance (COA) or budget is an estimate of the student&#8217;s educational expenses for a period of enrollment. It includes average expenses that a student may have while attending school.&nbsp;<strong> It is NOT the amount that a student will owe to MTSU.<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The COA is based on a student&#8217;s enrollment status, undergraduate\/graduate level, in-state\/out-of-state residency, and where a student lives.&nbsp; It is important to remember that this is an <strong>estimate<\/strong> and that all expenses are not billed items. Transportation, for example, would include cost for gas to drive to campus, but this is not a billed item to MTSU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The COA is used by the Financial Aid Office to determine &#8220;need&#8221; for specified programs and the maximum amount of aid a student can receive.&nbsp; You can view various full-time COAs and related components at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/tuition\/\">https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/tuition\/<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All undergraduate students will have their COA set to full-time enrollment status initially but it will be reduced if the student is enrolled in less than full time credit hours at the beginning of the semester. Because graduate students typically enroll for half-time status, all graduate students will have their initial COA set to half-time and will be later adjusted if enrolled greater than half-time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The COA includes the following average expenses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Tuition &amp; Fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Books &amp; Supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Living Expenses (Food &amp; Housing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Miscellaneous Expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Students may request an increase to their COA by submitting a formal appeal. Typically, increases to a COA can only be approved if it meets an educational requirement. If approved, the adjustment will increase the ceiling on the maximum amount of aid a student can receive. Often, this allows for the borrowing of additional loan funds which are subject to annual\/aggregate loan limits and\/or credit approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When applicable, COA increases are typically determined after an expense has incurred.&nbsp; Students may wish to contact the MT One Stop in advance to determine if a cost could be approved prior to incurring that cost. A receipt or proof of purchase is required prior to making any increase to a student\u2019s COA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Below are examples of allowable expenses for which an increase to the Financial Aid Cost of Attendance may be appealed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commuting Expenses<\/strong>Students who commute a significant distance for enrolled class(s) may potentially be eligible for a COA increase.&nbsp; A student must provide documentation using a recognized mapping website of roundtrip mileage to and from MTSU, or similar documentation of such costs. Also, students can request an increase due to additional expenses commuting from home to\/from work with documented proof of employment. <strong>Purchase of a vehicle, auto loan payments, insurance, license, registration, and general car maintenance cannot be considered.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Computer Expenses<\/strong>Federal regulations permit the MTSU Financial Aid Office to consider the cost to purchase a computer when calculating a student\u2019s COA. Allowable expenses include the purchase cost of a computer, printer, and other necessary software. A maximum of $1,200 in computer expenses will be considered <strong>once per degree level<\/strong>.&nbsp; If certain computer specifications are REQUIRED by the program of study, actual amount may be used upon documentation from the department.&nbsp; The equipment must be purchased in advance and appropriate documentation provided before the increase in COA and eligibility for assistance can be considered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dependent Care Expenses<\/strong>In calculating a student\u2019s COA, federal regulations allow for the inclusion of dependent day care expenses based on costs incurred for dependent care. The period of time for which the dependent care expenses are incurred must be within the semester in question. The dependent must have been included in the student\u2019s number in household on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Details must include child\/children\u2019s name, date of enrollment, cost per child, hours and frequency. If daycare is not a licensed daycare, documentation of paid receipts must be provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disability-Related Expenses<\/strong>Students with disability-related expenses may request a COA increase for equipment or special services needed to aid directly in their educational learning that is not provided by other assisting agencies. This allowance can include, but is not limited to, special services, personal assistance, transportation or equipment and supplies.&nbsp; Some examples include mobile scooters for a student who has a doctor\u2019s note explaining why he\/she cannot easily move around campus, hiring a reader or needing to purchase additional reading equipment for a legally blind student. Documentation of actual expenses may be necessary.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential<\/strong>&nbsp;This cost must be incurred during a period of enrollment even if the exam is scheduled to be taken after the semester has ended.&nbsp; The cost of test preparation courses <em><strong><u>cannot<\/u><\/strong><\/em>&nbsp;be included in a student\u2019s COA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equipment and Supplies<\/strong>A student can request a COA increase for additional course fees beyond the standard course fees.&nbsp; This includes, but is not limited to, items needed for thesis or senior projects.&nbsp; The student must submit a detailed explanation and proof of program costs, such as a letter from their professor or the syllabus that outlines the requirement of the additional costs.&nbsp; The student must provide receipts as proof of payment for items directly related to their program.&nbsp;&nbsp; Other examples may include additional educational expenses such as scientific calculators, art supplies, software, nursing supplies, etc. Please contact the <a href=\"mailto:mtonestop@mtsu.edu\">MT One Stop<\/a> for inquires on if a COA increase is applicable for a specific expense before making any purchases. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Study Abroad<\/strong>Additional study abroad costs may be taken into consideration for approved courses of study when determining financial aid eligibility. Charges that exceed the existing estimated COA can be considered. For more information about this please contact the MTSU Financial Aid Office at <a href=\"mailto:fin_aid@mtsu.edu\">fin_aid@mtsu.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example items NOT eligible for COA increases:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Auto purchase or payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Auto repairs and routine maintenance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credit card or other consumer debt payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving expenses and security deposits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Costs incurred outside of the current academic year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Child support and other such child care expenses (other than daycare)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal fees, bail, traffic tickets, parking tickets, or fines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Veterinary costs, unless for a service animal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Students may submit a Cost of Attendance Adjustment Request to the Office of Student Financial Aid by:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/itdwebapps.mtsu.edu\/DFPassThrough\/DFCasAuth?TargetResource=https%3a%2f%2fdynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com%2fSubmit%2fStart%2f9dac8f1e-324e-4384-9b15-35708814516c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>COA Adjustment Request Form<\/strong><\/a> to initiate an appeal for a Cost of Attendance Adjustment review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please allow between 7 to 10 business days for this appeal to be reviewed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingunusual-circumstances-commonly-referred-to-as-dependency-override\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseprofessionalunusual-circumstances-commonly-referred-to-as-dependency-override\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseprofessionalunusual-circumstances-commonly-referred-to-as-dependency-override\">Unusual Circumstances (commonly referred to as Dependency Override)<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseprofessionalunusual-circumstances-commonly-referred-to-as-dependency-override\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingunusual-circumstances-commonly-referred-to-as-dependency-override\" data-bs-parent=\"#professional\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>A student\u2019s dependency status is initially determined by the answers provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most traditional students are considered dependent and must include the biographical and financial information of their parents on the FAFSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are considered a dependent student but feel you have unusual circumstances that prevent you from providing parental information on the FAFSA, an Unusual Circumstance request may be applicable to you. The approval of this process allows students to be considered Independent based on their specific unusual circumstances. To complete this process, students must submit the Unusual Circumstances Request Form and provide any relevant information and documentation. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some examples of unusual circumstances that will and won&#8217;t be considered towards a dependency override.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will Consider<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>&nbsp;Won&#8217;t Consider<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Parental Abuse<\/td><td>&nbsp;Parents refuse to help pay for student&#8217;s education<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Parental abandonment or neglect&nbsp;<\/td><td>&nbsp;Parents will not provide information for the FAFSA or verification<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Parental drug abuse<\/td><td>&nbsp;Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Parental incarceration<\/td><td>&nbsp;Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to request an Unusual Circumstance review:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you complete the FAFSA without parental information, then you may submit an Unusual Circumstance Request Form.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>2025-2026 Aid Year<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/itdwebapps.mtsu.edu\/DFPassThrough\/DFCasAuth?TargetResource=https%3a%2f%2fdynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com%2fSubmit%2fStart%2f98584d02-ed50-47fb-b731-0c5bf7d34aea\">Unusual Circumstance Form<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2026-2027 Aid Year<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/itdwebapps.mtsu.edu\/DFPassThrough\/DFCasAuth?TargetResource=https%3a%2f%2fdynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com%2fSubmit%2fStart%2ffe824949-b978-41ad-bc3c-078d252506bd\">Unusual Circumstance Form<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here is what to expect:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Based on your reason for the unusual circumstance, the online application will walk you through questions to collect information and to narrow down the type of documentation that should be submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;Helpful Hints:<\/strong> &nbsp; <strong>Be detailed in your explanation on the form.<\/strong> <strong>Upload your supporting documentation when you submit the form.<\/strong> <strong>Never submit original documents that you may want back. Paper documents are scanned and then shredded.<\/strong> <strong>The more information provided in your explanation and submitting all requested documentation up front &amp; at the same time will speed up the timeframe in which you will receive a decision!<\/strong> <strong>However, if you need to send in documentation later, you should submit it using the MT One Stop Drop Box located in the right-hand section on their website at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/one-stop\/index.php\">https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/one-stop\/index.php<\/a><strong>.&nbsp; Do NOT email or fax documents that includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After the form and documentation is received, a financial aid administrator will initially review your request. MTSU must be able to justify any adjustments it makes to the FAFSA. The MTSU Financial Aid Office will require official documentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If additional clarification or documentation is needed, the student will be notified by campus email or through messaging in PipelineMT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An Unusual Circumstance Request will be reviewed and given a decision (whether approved or denied) within a federally required timeline of 60 days from the date the request was submitted. It is strongly encouraged to promptly submit ALL documentation requested on the form or once additional documentation is requested. Documentation not received by the federally required deadline will be denied. &nbsp;A student that is denied because of this timing requirement can complete a new request to resume the process where they left off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision of the financial aid administrator is final. The federal statute does not give the Department of Education the authority to override the administrator\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingother-special-cases-not-considered-professional-judgment\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseprofessionalother-special-cases-not-considered-professional-judgment\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseprofessionalother-special-cases-not-considered-professional-judgment\">Other Special Cases (not considered Professional Judgment)<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseprofessionalother-special-cases-not-considered-professional-judgment\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingother-special-cases-not-considered-professional-judgment\" data-bs-parent=\"#professional\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unaccomapanied Homeless Youth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another circumstance that is taken into consideration when you are completing the FAFSA is if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>an unaccompanied youth (i.e., not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) AND<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>who is homeless (i.e., lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing) OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>is self-supporting and at risk of being homeless (for example, when you pay for your own living expenses and you are being evicted and unable to find fixed, regular, and adequate housing).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to one of the following FAFSA questions for the applicable award year, then you are automatically considered \u2018Independent\u2019 and parental information will not be required on the FAFSA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you do not have a homeless determination by one of the entities above, you have the option to request the Financial Aid Office to determine if you are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I request to be considered as an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin this process, you can submit a request for Homeless Determination by completing the Homeless Verification Form found at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/nextstep\/homeless\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/nextstep\/homeless\">https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/nextstep\/homeless<\/a>. If you aren\u2019t sure if your status will qualify email&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:mtonestop@mtsu.edu\">MTOneStop@mtsu.edu<\/a>&nbsp;and request a meeting with the Outreach Coordinator who oversees the Next Step Program at MTSU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Next Step Program at MTSU assists students who are aging out of foster care or may be experiencing issues with homelessness. &nbsp;The Outreach Coordinator works with this population to assist with their core needs as well as helping them navigate higher education at MTSU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of requiring you to disclose personal information to the Outreach Coordinator and then again to a Financial Aid Administrator, you will work primarily with the Outreach Coordinator who submits a recommendation with all collected documentation to the Financial Aid Office. &nbsp;A Financial Aid Administrator reviews the information and determines if your FAFSA application can be processed as an Independent student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Homeless Verification Request must be reviewed and given a decision (whether approved or denied) within a federally required timeline of 60 days from the date the request was submitted. It is strongly encouraged to promptly submit ALL documentation requested on the form or once additional documentation is requested. Documentation not received by the federally required deadline will be denied.&nbsp; A student that is denied because of this timing requirement can complete a new request to resume the process where they left off. &nbsp; **If you are already an Independent student for FAFSA purposes, you are still strongly encouraged to email NextStep@mtsu.edu and get connected with the Outreach Coordinator.**&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingunsubsidized-only-loans-parental-refusal-to-complete-fafsa\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseprofessionalunsubsidized-only-loans-parental-refusal-to-complete-fafsa\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseprofessionalunsubsidized-only-loans-parental-refusal-to-complete-fafsa\">Unsubsidized Only Loans (Parental Refusal to complete FAFSA)<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseprofessionalunsubsidized-only-loans-parental-refusal-to-complete-fafsa\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingunsubsidized-only-loans-parental-refusal-to-complete-fafsa\" data-bs-parent=\"#professional\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p>n the event, that a student does not meet any of the criteria mentioned above and their biological or adoptive parent(s) have permanently ended all financial support of the student <strong>or<\/strong> refuse to complete the parent section of the FAFSA a student could be eligible for <strong>Only<\/strong> Unsubsidized Student Loans. This would limit a student\u2019s loan eligibility for the full academic year(Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) in question to the maximum amount for their current academic standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The maximum unsubsidized loan amount you can receive is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Freshman \u2013 $5,500<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sophomore \u2013 $6,500<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Junior\/Senior \u2013 $7,500<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If approved, the student will not be eligible for desirable aid, including, but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Federal Pell Grants<\/td><td>Tennessee State Assistance Award (TSAA)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)<\/td><td>Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program (HOPE)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Work Study<\/td><td>State and Federal need-based scholarships<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal TEACH Grant Program<\/td><td>Institutional need-based scholarships<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Parent PLUS Loans<\/td><td>Federal Direct Subsidized Loans<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new freshman student that pursues and completes this option would only be eligible for the maximum $5,500 in federal direct unsubsidized student loans for the entire academic year. This means that during the student\u2019s first fall semester they would only be eligible for $2,750 which would then be applied against their tuition and any other direct costs, like on campus housing or meal plans. The current 2023 \u2013 2024 semesterly tuition is an estimated $4,877 for a full time schedule. This would then leave at least an approximate $2,127 remaining for the student to pay out of pocket. This is before any additional costs like housing, meal plans, books, or other secondary educational expenses are added to a student\u2019s costs. The current interest rate on these loans is 5.50%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After having read this, if this is not what you intended to select on your FAFSA, you must log back in and correct your FAFSA to include parental information. &nbsp;If you are wanting to request the Unsubsidized Loan only, please submit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/forms\/\"><strong>Petition for Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Parent refuses to complete FAFSA) form<\/strong><\/a><strong>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I need additional assistance!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We know that filing the FAFSA or being selected for verification can be stressful and time consuming as you work to gather and submit all the required documentation. If you need help with questions or in navigating the process, please contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/w1.mtsu.edu\/one-stop\/hours.php\">MT One Stop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1508,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26\/revisions\/1508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/financial-aid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}