Special or Unusual Circumstance/Professional Judgement Review

When there are unusual situations or circumstances that impact your federal student aid eligibility, federal regulations allow the financial aid office discretion of a professional judgment on a case-by-case basis with adequate documentation to make adjustments to the data elements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If a change in your financial situation has occurred or you have experienced a special or unusual circumstance, the financial aid office can evaluate your most current situation.  Some examples include loss of income due to employment changes, separation or divorce, death of a parent or spouse, unusually high medical or dental expenses, student’s dependency status, etc.  To determine if you may be eligible for a Professional Judgment review, please complete the Professional Judgment Review form located here.

If you already are Pell Grant eligible with a "0" Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), it is not necessary to complete this Professional Judgement Review form, as you have already received the maximum award allowable for the award year.

Please note that a Professional Judgment request does not guarantee approval.  In addition, even if approved, the recalculation of FAFSA data does not always result in an increase of aid eligibility.  If the Professional Judgment is not in your favor, it will not be processed.