The FAFSA doesn’t always tell the whole story, and for that reason, we evaluate special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
If you believe you have a special circumstance due to your family’s financial situation, undue hardship, or other special circumstances, you may take the following steps to have the Financial Aid Office re-evaluate your situation:
- For 2024-25, complete the Professional Judgement Request Form and upload it, with your letter of appeal and supporting documentation to the La Verne Portal. If you are unable to upload, you can use alternate means for document submission.
- As each case is unique, you may be asked for additional documentation to support your request for consideration.
- The Appeals Committee will review your request and supporting documentation, and make a determination about your eligibility.
- Determination of eligibility and notification is generally performed within ten business days from the submission of all requested documentation. You will be notified via email of the decision and its impact on your financial aid.
Examples of special circumstances:
A Change in the income reported on the FAFSA due to:
- parent(s) or student now unemployed
- parent(s) or student has new lower earning job or now working part-time
- parent(s) or student are separated or have filed for divorce
- Significant undue medical expenses
- K-12 private school expenses for younger siblings of dependent students
- Death of parent (or spouse if an independent student)
You will be required to submit documentation in support of these changes in financial circumstances. This can include parent (if applicable) and student tax returns and any additional forms or documentation to support your request.