If your financial situation has changed since submitting the FAFSA, you may request a Professional Judgment—a review of your aid eligibility based on updated financial information.
This process allows financial aid staff to adjust your FAFSA using supporting documents you provide.
* A PJ does not guarantee more aid. Eligibility depends on your original FAFSA, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and how much the new information lowers your EFC. Typically, your EFC must drop below $5,000 to qualify for additional aid.*
Common Special Circumstances:
- Loss of income
- One-time income (e.g., severance, bonus)
- Divorce or separation
- Death of a parent
- High medical or dental costs
- Childcare or eldercare expenses
- A parent attending college
- Change in dependency status
- Other major financial changes with documentation
Please carefully follow the instructions on the form to help ensure a smooth and timely review. After we assess your request, we’ll notify you if any additional documents are needed. PLNU is required by federal law to collect sufficient documentation when reviewing special circumstance appeals.
What to Expect
All appeals are reviewed individually by a committee, following federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education. Decisions are based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Please allow up to three weeks for a response after all required documents are received.
❌ Note: Appeals related to private school tuition are not considered. Professional Judgment can only be applied to unique, individual situations—not to groups of students.