If you have special circumstances that merit additional financial aid, we will work with you to try to assist you as best we can. Here are some of the most common situations that warrant special consideration:
My Parents Will Not Assist Me Financially in College
At Clark, as at many other institutions, we believe that financing your college education is a family responsibility, to the extent that your family is able to help you. Undergraduates who have living parents will generally be required to file as dependent students. You may not file as an independent undergraduate student unless you have highly unusual circumstances. You will need to speak with a financial aid officer at Clark before filing your FAFSA to determine if your circumstances warrant filing as an independent for financial aid purposes.
My Parents Are Divorced/Separated
The instructions on the FAFSA and PROFILE will clearly indicate that if your parents are divorced or separated you should answer the questions on the forms only about the parent (or stepparent) with whom you live. Some colleges will request that your other parent also provide information on an additional form. This is called the Non-Custodial Profile, and Clark will require that the non-custodial parent complete this form online. You will be given instructions on this process when you complete the Profile.
My Other Parent Will Not Complete the Non-Custodial Parent Profile
Although a non-custodial parent’s unwillingness to provide his/her information or refusal to help with college expenses is a compelling and difficult situation, it is not sufficient for a waiver of the Non-Custodial Parent Profile. Without the Non-Custodial Parent Profile, you will be considered for financial assistance from the federal government based on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, you will not be considered for need-based aid from Clark University. If your situation changes and the Non-Custodial Parent Statement can be provided, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
If you are unable to obtain the requested information due to extenuating circumstances, you may petition Clark's Office of Financial Assistance for a waiver. To request a waiver, submit a letter from your custodial parent explaining why you cannot obtain the information and attach third party documentation supporting your explanation. Persons qualified to submit third party documentation include, but are not limited to: a social worker, clergy member, guidance counselor, etc. Clark will determine if there is sufficient reason to waive this requirement and then notify you.
International Students Applying for Financial Assistance
Because federal regulations do not permit loans to a student in the United States on a temporary student visa, international students are not eligible for most federal student loans. International students do not need to apply for scholarships since they are already considered for merit-based awards through their admission process. Students seeking merit-based scholarships or tuition waivers should apply as early as possible.
All applicants for financial aid have the right to appeal the decision of their application. Successful appeals are usually based on a significant change in family financial circumstances that have occurred after you submitted for application for aid. The committee will review appeals, and a final decision will be made only after all renewal and new applications have been processed.