Professional Judgment Policy

Professional Judgment is a meticulous process aimed at evaluating a student's distinct circumstances and employing discretion to adjust data elements affecting either the Cost of Attendance (COA) or the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This procedure is conducted on a case-by-case basis. Adjustments are made when deemed appropriate and reasonable, with thorough documentation required in the student's file, specifically pertaining to the unique or extraordinary circumstances distinguishing the student from their peers. It is imperative to resolve any inconsistent or conflicting information before proceeding with adjustments.
Potential Reasons for Requesting Professional Judgment 
  • Special Circumstances: Financial situations such as loss of employment that warrant an aid administrator's adjustment to COA or EFC calculations.
  • Unusual Circumstances: Conditions necessitating an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on unique situations, including but not limited to human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment, or incarceration, commonly referred to as a dependency override.
Instructions for Students/Parents to Request Professional Judgment 
  • Complete and sign the ​Professional Judgment Form located below. 
  • For various circumstances such as death, loss of wages, loss of benefits, extraordinary medical expenses, private school tuition for siblings, extraordinary travel expenses, extreme business or farm debt, bankruptcy, unaccompanied homeless youth, foster care youth, and dependency overrides, specific documentation is necessary. You will need to attach this documentation to the form. 
Submission Deadline and Determination Timeline 
Requests must be submitted no later than 30 days from the first day of class in the current award year or within 60 days after the occurrence of a Special Circumstance during the program year. The review and determination will be completed within 60 days of the request, contingent upon the timely provision of required documentation. Notification of the determination will be communicated via email.