Professional Judgment

Professional Judgment Information

At Southeastern Louisiana University, we understand that there are various circumstances that may impact a student their family's financial situation which is not reflected in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a result of these circumstances, the Higher Education Act Section 479A (a) extends the latitude of institution to exercise professional judgment to evaluate special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please see the information below regarding these special circumstances and contact your Financial Aid Counselor to complete the professional judgment form.

Main Categories of Special Circumstances

Changes in Financial Circumstances Reflecting Loss of Income

Situation Involving Loss of Employment/Business or Decrease in Salary/Wages (Including Natural Disaster/Pandemic Related Changes)
Separation/Divorce, Alimony, Child support
Disability/Social Security benefits
One-time payment received
High/unusual out-of-pocket (unreimbursed) medical and/or dental expenses that exceed 11% of the Family’s Adjusted Gross Income
Death of Parent or Spouse
- To be filed only if initial FAFSA data included deceased parent (or student's spouse) in income or household
Parental College Enrollment verification
- Parent must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (or equivalent clock hours) per term to be considered

Increases in Student's Cost of Attendance Incurred While Attending Southeastern

Computer Purchase
Child Care Expense
Housing Expense Exceeding the Standard Allotted in Student's Cost of Attendance
Tuition Adjustments
Include Housing & Meals in COA for Less-than-half-time students

Changes in Family Dynamics That Justify Applying as an Independent Student (Dependency Override)

Abandonment by parents
An abusive family environment that threatens the student’s health or safety
The student's inability to locate his/her parent

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Submission and Processing Timeline

Processing Timeline after Application is Submitted

The estimated timeframe for review and processing of a special circumstance application is typically 2 to 3 weeks excluding peak periods
To avoid processing delays, please carefully review the information provided on the form and ensure that adequate and appropriate documentation is provided for each application type
Upon review, the student and or parent will be contacted via Southeastern webmail advising that their application has been reviewed. If additional documentation is required, the email will include a comprehensive list of required documentation.

**Please also note that approved special circumstances do not guarantee that any additional aid will be awarded. **