How Colleges, and the Government, Are Handling a Spike in Requests for More Financial Aid

Financial aid officers can use their professional judgment to adjust the award package of students contending with a job loss, salary reduction or other circumstances that make it hard to pay for school. It’s not an uncommon practice, but it can be daunting for students. And it can be risky for schools, which can face scrutiny from the Education Department if they offer too many people help.