Request for Special Consideration for Financial Aid
We recognize that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may not always accurately reflect your current financial situation or dependency status. Professional Judgment allows the Financial Aid Office to review certain documented circumstances on a case-by-case basis. When permitted by federal guidelines, this review may result in adjustments to your cost of attendance, FAFSA information used to determine your Student Aid Index (SAI), or dependency status. A Professional Judgment review does not guarantee additional aid, but it allows us to determine whether adjustments may be appropriate based on your situation and supporting documentation.
Special Circumstances are financial situations that may justify an aid administrator adjusting data elements in the cost of attendance or in the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation.
Unusual Circumstances are conditions that may justify an aid administrator adjusting a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation.
A student may have both a special circumstance and an unusual circumstance. Financial aid administrators may make adjustments that are appropriate to each student’s situation when supported by required documentation.
Request Special Consideration
The Professional Judgment (PJ) Advisor portal will guide you through the special consideration request process.
Before you begin, be prepared to provide a written statement explaining your situation in detail and to upload documentation that supports your request.
After accessing the PJ Advisor portal, you (or a parent, spouse, or legal guardian) will need to complete the following steps:
- CreateÌýa secure username and password.
- SelectÌýyour dependency status as reported on the FAFSA.
- AnswerÌýthe pre-screening questions and select your appeal category.
- ExplainÌýyour situation in detail, upload supporting documentation and submit.
- Print,Ìýsign and upload the signature page.
Note: Dependent students who provide parental information on the FAFSA must have one parent sign the signature page after all documentation has been submitted.
What Happens Next?
Upon receipt of all required documents, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ will conduct a preliminary review to ensure the submission is accurate and complete. You will be notified via email if there are any questions or if any additional documentation is required. Once the submission is verified as complete, the Financial Aid Office will review for final determination and contact you with the results.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the Professional Judgment process, please contactÌýtheÌýÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ at (205) 652-3576 or email [email protected].