🏫 College Advising

A financial aid administrator may use professional judgment (PJ) to adjust a student's Cost of Attendance or data elements used in calculating the Student Aid Index (SAI). Which of the following is a valid reason for a PJ adjustment?

A The student simply prefers a lower SAI to get more aid.
B A parent recently lost their job, significantly reducing family income after the FAFSA was filed.
C The student wants to attend a more expensive out-of-state university.
D The student's older sibling received more financial aid at a different institution.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Professional judgment is used for special circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA, such as significant changes in income, unusual medical expenses, or other documented hardships.

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