Definitions for "Professional judgment"
For need-based federal aid programs, the financial aid administrator can adjust the EFC, adjust the COA, or change the dependency status (with documentation) when extenuating circumstances exist. For example, if a parent becomes unemployed, disabled, or deceased, the FAA can decide to use estimated income information for the award year instead of the actual income figures from the base year. This delegation of authority from the federal government to the financial aid administrator is called Professional Judgment (PJ).
A rule that allows the Financial Aid Officer to make a personal decision to adjust the Expected Family Contribution, based upon unique or special circumstances, to allow a more accurate assessment of the family's financial condition.
Financial aid administrators can adjust a student’s aid package and contribution when extenuating circumstances exist (e.g., a deceased parent). Contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.