Professional Judgement

The Pell Grant formula is based on the taxes or income for a previous year. After the student completes the FAFSA, they may seek an adjustment on their FAFSA if any of the following circumstances apply to their situation: Involuntary loss of job or income, death of a spouse or the primary income-provider of the household, legal divorce. Other situations may apply and should be discussed with the Senior Counselor.

Requests for an income adjustment are considered by the Financial Aid Committee prior to the implementation of the request. The Professional Judgment Request Form is available from the Student Services Office and should be completed in its entirety, including all supporting documentation and submitted before the Committee convenes. The decision of the Committee is final.

Withdrawals

Students who complete at least 60% of the time for which they are enrolled are eligible for the Pell Grant to which they are entitled for that period of enrollment.

Students who withdraw from training prior to completing at least 60% of the time for which they are enrolled (term) and who use Pell Grant to pay for tuition and fees may be required to reimburse the Center and/or the Federal Department of Education for any portion not earned during their enrollment. Termination /withdrawal dates are posted as the student's last date of attendance.

Return of Federal Funds

A student who withdraws from school without completing more than 60% of their enrolled hours, not including absences, must return a percentage of the Title IV funds.  Students graduating or withdrawing from the Center should consult with the Senior Counselor regarding their financial aid package as part of the withdrawal process.

Appeals

Any student who feels mistreated under the rules set forth may submit, in writing, the conditions or actions that demonstrate that the rules were not followed and submit a specific request for relief.  The following guidelines should be followed:

• Seek verbal clarification from the Senior Counselor. 
• Written documentation will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Appeal Committee to ascertain if the rules were violated.  The Committee will make a recommendation.
• If either the Senior Counselor or student disagrees with the recommendation, the matter may be referred to the Director for final disposition.