Financial Aid Help

Special or Unusual Circumstance

Sometimes after you receive your financial aid offer, you and/or your family may experience an unexpected change to your financial situation. In these circumstances, you may appeal for a re-evaluation of your financial aid. All special circumstances requests must be approved by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, and appeals are processed only when an initial aid offer is issued and all additional documents are received. Processing time for Appeals may take up to 45 days.

• Special Circumstances refer to the financial situations (loss of a job, etc.) that justify an aid administrator adjusting data elements in the COA or in the EFC calculation.

• Unusual Circumstances refer to the conditions that justify an aid administrator making an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation (e.g., human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment, incarceration), more commonly referred to as a dependency override.

  For Students with Dependent(s)

  As a student-parent, you may qualify for more than other students because of your family size and financial need.

  Program	What You Can Get?
  Pell Grant	The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is usually the foundation of a student’s financial aid package. It is free money from the federal government that you do not need to pay back. Eligibility is based on your financial need, enrollment level, and cost of attendance. As a student-parent, your family size is factored into your eligibility, which may increase the amount you receive.
  FAFSA	The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to all federal and most state financial aid programs. You must complete it every year to be considered for grants, work-study, and loans. Use Merced College School Code 001237.. Filing early gives you the best chance of receiving the most aid available to you.
  California Dream Act Application (CADAA)	The California Dream Act Application is for AB540-eligible students who do not have a valid Social Security Number. It allows you to apply for state financial aid programs including the California College Promise Grant, Cal Grants, and Chafee Grants. If you are AB540 and a U.S. citizen, you should complete the FAFSA instead.
  Cal Grant + Dependent Children Award	The Cal Grant is a state-funded grant that does not have to be repaid. As a student-parent with a dependent child under 18 for whom you provide more than half of their financial support, you may qualify for a supplemental Dependent Children Award of up to $6,000 per year on top of your regular Cal Grant. A GPA verification form may be required if your school has not already submitted it automatically.
  Chafee Grant	The Chafee Grant is available to current and former foster youth under the age of 26. It provides up to $5,000 per year for up to five years to help cover tuition, living expenses, and other college costs. You must complete the FAFSA or CADAA to apply, and you must be enrolled at least half-time.
  Federal Work-Study	Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities on and near campus for students with financial need. It is a great way to earn money to help cover your expenses while staying connected to the campus community. Work-Study must be included in your financial aid award package and you must be enrolled in at least 6 units to participate.

  Additional Support for Student Parents

  2026-27 Student Parent Cost of Attendance Adjustments

  Per the California GAINS for Student Parents Act (Assembly Bill 2458), Merced College offers Cost of Attendance adjustments for student parents. These adjustments reflect the additional costs student parents incur by meeting dependent child food and childcare expenses.

  26-27 Cost of Attendance for Students with Dependents

If you choose to apply for an appeal or COA adjustment, be sure to have any necessary available documentation of your change in circumstance. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or to request a Professional Judgement Appeal.