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 the 2024-2025 school year, complete the Professional Judgement Request Form and submit it to the La Verne Portal with your supporting documentation. If you are unable to upload, you can use alternate means for document submission. If you would like to submit an appeal for the 2025-2026 school year, please use this Professional Judgement Request Form.
- 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 is now unemployed
- parent(s) or student has a new lower-earning job or is 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 a 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.