Professional Judgment Policy

Professional Judgment Policy

Professional Judgment is the ability of a financial aid planner to update a student’s financial aid based on unusual circumstances. Circumstances may include a decrease in income, change in family size, loss of assets, unusual expenses, change in dependency status, etc. This list is not intended to be all inclusive since you may have a situation that is not categorized.

Your eligibility for financial aid was originally calculated based on the information you provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), this includes your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Based on this information, financial aid eligibility is determined.

The Office of Financial Aid at American Career College recognizes that many families experience changes in income, assets, or family situations that are not reflected in the tax information provided on the FAFSA. Therefore, where appropriate, the Financial Aid department can utilize the professional judgment process to adjust data used to calculate your EFC and provide a revised package based on these adjusted items.

All professional judgment requests require you (and your parents if you are dependent) to submit supporting documentation to substantiate your request for a professional judgment.

Initiation of Professional Judgment

Professional judgment requests can be initiated with the campus Financial Aid Department. Once your request is received, your assigned Financial Aid Planner will walk you through the process, including informing you of the documentation required to process your request.

Required Documentation

In order to make changes to your financial aid, documentation of your unusual circumstances must be submitted. In all cases, American Career College requires a written request from the student using the Appeal Request form. In addition to Appeal Request form supporting documentation is also required. Typical documentation may include but is not limited to the following:

• Income Adjustments:
• Recent pay stubs from all employers to establish year-to-date income.
• Unemployment benefit letter.
• Letter from most recent employer detailing termination and terms of termination such as severance pay, if applicable.
• Documentation from other income received, such as self-employment income, social security benefits, insurance benefits, etc.
• Medical/Dental Expenses: Proof of medical bills paid (not paid by insurance)
• Dependency Overrides: Documentation from a 3^rd professional party substantiating unusual circumstance that would support a change in dependency. Examples include but are not limited to a letter from a counselor, teacher, doctor, or member of the clergy. 
• Cost of Attendance: Documentation to substantiate indirect costs above those included in the American Career College cost of attendance. Examples include but are not limited to a lease agreement, dependent care receipts, transportation costs, clinical travel costs, etc.

The Financial Aid Department at American Career College is here to assist you. Should have questions about this policy or any other financial aid related policy, please contact your local Financial Aid Department.