Professional Judgement

The College may exercise discretion to accommodate special circumstances, with respect to some aspects of eligibility, using professional judgment. Professional judgment allows the College to treat a student individually when the student has special circumstances not sufficiently addressed by standard procedures. The College uses professional judgment on a case- by-case basis. Not every situation warrants a review nor does every review guarantee a change in any federal aid awards. Special circumstances will include conditions that differentiate an individual student from a whole class of students.

The College will not accept professional judgments made for a student by another school but will independently review the circumstances and document the professional judgment decision if appropriate. The decision of the College regarding professional judgment is final and cannot be appealed to the US Department of Education. Students should contact Financial Aid if interested in submitting a professional judgment request. The College will complete verification before exercising professional judgment for students who have been selected for verification.