Which of the following constitutes a legitimate reason for a professional judgment review?

• A. Higher than average living expenses
• B. Decrease in family size
• C. Change in marital status
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

A professional judgment review is a process that allows financial aid administrators to make adjustments to a student's financial aid package based on unique circumstances that may not be adequately reflected in the standard application data. Each of the options listed provides a valid basis for requesting a professional judgment review.

Higher than average living expenses can significantly impact a family's ability to contribute to educational costs. If a family is facing expenses that exceed the typical costs due to various reasons—such as medical bills, child care, or extraordinary living costs—this could justify a review to ensure the financial aid assessment accurately reflects their situation.

A decrease in family size may lead to a lower expected family contribution, as fewer people are relying on the same income to meet expenses. This situation can merit a reassessment of financial aid eligibility since it may indicate that resources are available for fewer individuals, which could alter the financial landscape for the remaining family members.

Change in marital status, such as divorce or separation, often results in a significant shift in household income and responsibilities. This change not only affects financial responsibilities but can also impact the amount of available support for a student’s education. A professional judgment review in this context can help to recalculate the expected family contribution based on the new realities of the student's financial situation.

Therefore