Special Circumstances

Note that we can only consider the circumstances of the parent(s) whose information is reported on the FAFSA. Consider the following:

1. If you have completed the FAFSA and your SAI (student aid index) is "0" or a negative number, it will not be beneficial to pursue any "special circumstances" as you will already qualify for the maximum possible financial aid. Further, if your SAI is very low (ex: under 1000) the potential benefit on your eligibility may be minimal or none at all. Housing choice may also impact this decision.
2. Review the forms and descriptions below, and determine if any are relevant.
3. Contact our office by email or phone (847-735-5103) and provide brief details including general dates and dollar amounts. In some cases, even if  you meet the basic requirements, it may not affect your eligibility.
4. Complete any applicable form(s) if directed by our office. If you are not able to reach us, be sure that your cost exceeds the minimum amount shown. Return forms and supporting documents  -required in most cases-  to the Office of Financial Aid, preferably as a .pdf via email. Delivery options are found at the bottom of each form. 

Forms for the 2026-2027 academic year:

• Educational Expenses
  • when parents will pay $2000+ during 2026-27 academic year for grades K-12 or college
• Educational Loans
  • when a parent borrower is currently repaying $2000+/year for a loan in his or her name
• Healthcare Expenses
  • when parents paid in 2025  and anticipates paying in 2026 at least the following amounts: 2 in family: $4500;  3 in family - $5000;  4 - $6000;  5 - $7000;  6 - $8000;  7 - $9000
• Income Change (parent)
  • when there is/will be a significant change vs. 2024
• Income Change (student)
  • when there is/will be a significant change vs. 2024, and 2024 income was at least $12,000
• Second Household Expense
  • when parents are married, but living in different cities due to work
• Unusual Expenses
  • when parents paid in 2025  and anticipate paying in 2026 $2000+ for something such as child support, dependent care, funeral costs, non-elective home repairs, legal fees, support of extended family, etc.

Forms for the 2025-2026 Academic Year:

• Educational Expenses - your parent pays $2000+ during 2025-2026 academic year for his/her education or for a sibling (including grades K-12 and college)
• Educational Loans - parent borrower is currently repaying $2000+/year to his/her own loan, or a PLUS Loan (or similar) for a sibling who is no longer in college
• Healthcare Expenses - Complete if your parent paid in 2024  or will pay in 2025 at least the following amounts: 2 in family: $4500;  3 in family - $5000;  4 - $6000;  5 - $7000;  6 - $8000;  7 - $9000.
• Income Change (parent)  - a significant change vs. 2023
• Income Change (student)  - a significant change vs. 2023, and 2023 was at least $12,000)
• Second Household Expenses - parents married, but living in different homes in different cities
• Unusual Expenses - parent pays $2000+ in 2025 for such things as child support, dependent care, funeral costs, non-elective home repairs, legal fees, support of extended family, etc. If you are a returning student and you submitted this form for the 2024-2025 academic year, we cannot consider the same expense for the same occurrence in the 2025-2026 cademic year. We can, however, consider repeating expenses.