Professional Judgment Reviews
A Professional Judgment Review (PJR) is a process used primarily in the context of financial aid for higher education. PJRs involve the reassessment of a student’s financial aid eligibility based on unique or extraordinary circumstances that are not adequately captured by the standard financial aid application process. Most commonly families will think of this process as a “financial aid appeal”.
Students or families who experience special or unusual circumstances that impact their financial situation while attending Harrisburg University may schedule time with our Financial Aid Office to clarify their situation.
Financial Aid Adjustments
PJRs are commonly requested by students or their families when there has been a significant change in their financial situation since the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This might include but is not limited to:
- Change in family circumstance, such as divorce or separation, death of a parent or spouse, or cessation of child-support income.
- Change in family income/assets, such as loss of income or employment, large out-of-pocket medical expenses, a reduction in income due to a change in employment status, or one-time distributions of income or other non-recurring income.
- Dependency Overrides Situations. This is any situation where a dependent student is seeking to be approved for “independent” status.
- Other special circumstances that affect the ability to pay for college.
These examples are not an exhaustive list. Students and families are encouraged to seek a PJR if they have any circumstances that are impacting them financially.
Process for a Professional Judgment Review:
- Request Submission: The student or family must submit a formal request for a PJR to the financial aid office at Harrisburg University. This typically involves providing detailed documentation of the special circumstances. Contact the office by emailing FinancialAid@HarrisburgU.edu, or by calling (717) 901-5115.
- Documentation: You will need to provide supporting documents, which may include, but is not limited to:
- Letters explaining the circumstances.
- Proof of job loss (e.g., unemployment benefits statement).
- Medical bills or insurance claims.
- Legal documents (e.g., divorce decrees).
Your contact in the Financial Aid office will let you know which documentation you will need to provide.
- Review by Financial Aid Office: Our Professional Judgment Committee will review the submitted documentation and determine whether an adjustment is warranted. We exercise professional judgment to make changes to the student’s financial aid information.
- Outcome: If the review results in an adjustment, the student’s FAFSA information is updated, which can lead to a recalculation of the financial aid package. This may increase the amount of aid the student is eligible to receive.
Importance
- Fairness: PJRs ensure that students facing unusual financial hardships receive fair consideration for financial aid.
- Access to Education: By accounting for special circumstances, PJRs help maintain access to higher education for students who might otherwise be unable to afford it due to unexpected financial challenges.
Please note that a request for a PJR does not guarantee the receipt of new or additional financial aid. Each PJR request will be thoroughly reviewed and assessed by the financial aid office.
To start the Professional Judgment Review process, contact the Financial Aid Office to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting, by emailing FinancialAid@HarrisburgU.edu, or by calling (717) 901-5115.