Professional Judgement/Special Circumstances

About Professional Judgement/Special Circumstances

Have a special circumstance? The Office of Financial Aid can use professional judgement to help eligible students receive financial aid.

Professional Judgement

Special Circumstance

Federal financial aid is based on a formula created by the U.S. Department of Education to determine a student’s Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses prior-prior year income information to determine your EFC and eligibility for federal financial aid (grants, loans, work-study). 

After filing the FAFSA, some families realize that their EFC may not adequately reflect the family’s current financial situation due to extenuating circumstances.  The federal government allows schools to review a family’s unique circumstances, beyond the student’s/family’s control, to determine if the situation warrants special consideration.

To request consideration for special conditions, please request an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor at: Financialaid@njcu.edu

In the subject Line: Request Appointment and add your Gothic Net student ID.

In the body of the email indicate you have a special condition or are requesting  a professional judgement.  Also, indicate if you want a Zoom meet, in-person (recommended) or a phone call.  Please be aware that in some instances a special condition might require that you come into the Financial Aid Office.  We are located on the Second Floor of Hepburn Hall Room 215.