A financial aid appeal is an opportunity for you to request a re-evaluation of your aid or an appeal of a financial aid policy or decision. Please review the appeal processes below to learn more about qualifying circumstances and to proceed with filing an appeal. 

Professional Judgement Appeal

Professional Judgment refers to the authority of a school's financial aid administrator to adjust data elements on the FAFSA or CADAA.  These evaluations are done on a case-by-case basis and with adequate documentation. Not all income reductions will result in an increase of the amount of your award. If you believe your income has changed, and would like your case evaluated by a Financial Aid administrator, please fill out the Professional Judgement Appeal questionnaire. 

  • Independent students: You may qualify for additional funding if you or your spouse (if married) had a reduction in income.
  • Dependent students: You may qualify for additional funding if you or your parents had a reduction in income.

*Please note you may be required to submit copies of your 2022 W2’s and/or 202 Federal Tax Return Transcripts.

Dependency Override: If you are requesting a review of your dependency status for financial aid, please complete the questionnaire. A Financial Aid administrator will follow up with you to schedule a meeting appointment if additional information is required. 

Professional Judgement Appeal Questionnaire

Cost of Attendance Appeal

The Cost of Attendance Appeal can be used if you believe the Cost of Attendance used in determining your financial aid was not sufficient to cover your actual expenses during the academic year. Students who have an “At Home” cost of attendance, meaning it is assumed they live with parents/guardians, but who actually live away from parents/guardians in separate housing may submit proof of a lease or rental agreement. Students who believe they have expenses that exceed the standard Cost of Attendance
assigned to them may submit proof of those expenses.

Cost of Attendance Appeal Questionnaire

Examples of Allowable Expenses

  • Changing housing situation from “At Home” to “Away From Home”
  • Excess rent: a copy of your lease agreement (Limit is $200/month increase)
  • Homeowner's or renter's insurance premiums: proof of payment, copy of the policy
  • Proof of payment: receipts, billing statements for three months for:
    • Basic PG&E/Utilities
    • Basic telephone costs
    • Basic internet costs

A medical, dental, and optical allowance for expenses not covered by insurance is included in the “Personal Expenses” category of the basic budget. Appropriate documentation for additional projected expenses or expenses that occur during the academic year include (there might be a percentage or threshold expenses have to exceed): 

  • Healthcare provider's billing statements showing cost, date of treatment, and the amount paid
  • Copy of insurance policy (for student's premium cost)
  • Proof of payment by student or parent

Projected expenses that a student anticipates incurring during the current academic year will be considered on a case by case basis at the discretion of the financial aid advisor.  

In addition to the basic “Books and Supplies” category of the student expense budget, acceptable additions include: 

  • Required reference texts
  • Required special equipment/supplies
  • Required research costs
    Computer Purchase (limit to one computer purchase per completed degree)

The basic student expense budget covers the moderate cost of public transportation for incidental travel to and from your parents’ or your home. Transportation costs must be educationally related. Acceptable additional expenses may include: 

  • Transportation costs required by an academic program, unusual medical condition, or other reasons directly related to educational needs (supporting statements from an academic advisor may be requested)
  • Costs of commuting to off-campus internships/fieldwork that are related to your program of study. Be sure to include:
    • Estimated mileage per trip (indicate whether one-way or round trip)
    • List starting and ending addresses
    • Number of trips and total mileage
  • Cost of car insurance for the student that exceeds the current budget allotment
  • Receipts for travel expenses associated with your education
  • Receipts reflecting excessive cost repairs

An allowance for reasonable costs, as determined by the institution, for a student in a study abroad program approved for credit by the home institution.

An allowance based on the estimated actual expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of such dependents. Such allowance must not exceed the average cost in Los Angeles county; and the period for which dependent care is required includes but is not limited to, class time, study-time, fieldwork, internships, and commuting time.

An allowance, as determined by the institution, for expenses associated with a student’s disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided for by other agencies.

An allowance for the cost of any Federal student loan fee, origination fee, or insurance premium charged to the student or the parent of the student. The allowance may be actual or average costs, as appropriate; and may not include the cost associated with non-Federal loans.

An allowance for the costs associated with obtaining a license, certification, or a first professional credential, for a student in a program that prepares them to enter a profession that requires such a qualification.

Examples of Expenses Not Allowed

  • Cable bill
  • Credit card debt
  • Car payments
  • Purchase or lease of a vehicle
  • Trips for entertainment purposes

Submission of a Cost of Attendance Appeal along with documentation is not a guarantee that an appeal will be approved. Final approval of the appeal is at the discretion of the assigned Financial Aid Advisor. Students may appeal a Cost of Attendance appeal denial to the Assistant Director or Director of Financial Aid.

An approved Cost of Attendance appeal does not necessarily indicate you will become eligible for additional financial aid.

If you find yourself ineligible for financial aid, don't lose hope—you have options! Through your LancerPoint, you can submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal to request reconsideration. 

For full details on our SAP policy and to access a helpful video, click here. Staying informed and taking action can make all the difference in securing the support you need for your education. Keep pushing forward!

If you are appealing your financial aid status, ensure your SAP Appeal includes the following:

  1. PCC Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal
  2. A Detailed Statement explaining what exceptional/extenuating circumstances prevented you from meeting your educational goals, how those challenges have been resolved, and your expected timeline for completing your academic program.
  3. Supporting Documentation proving exceptional or extenuating circumstances beyond your control. Examples of exceptional and extenuating circumstances may include:
    • medical issues-hospitalization
    • medical conditions
    • death of a relative or other significant person
    • divorce
    • military service
    • loss of job/home
    • change of major
  4. Your most recent Student Comprehensive Educational Plan, documenting the remaining length of time needed to complete your educational goal at PCC and all required courses for your declared program. *Courses not listed as required for your declared major/program (per your approved Comprehensive Educational Plan) will not be eligible for financial aid disbursement.

The Appeals Committee will review your request based on Department of Education regulations and institutional policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. If your appeal is denied, you have the option to request a second-level review for reconsideration. Please note that the decision reached after the second review will be final, and no further appeals will be permitted.

Reestablishing Aid Eligibility

If you are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, don’t worry—you can still get back on track and become eligible for financial aid again. To do this, you’ll need to meet the SAP requirements, which include maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA and/or successfully completing at least 67% of your attempted courses. Taking steps to meet these standards is all it takes!

The appeal process is meant for exceptional situations—like if something serious happened that was out of your control, or if you changed your major and are now within the time limit for your new program of study.

Before you submit an appeal, take some time to figure out why you were disqualified and what happened. Understanding your situation will help you explain it clearly if you decide to move forward with the appeal.

If you have any questions or need guidance, reach out to the Office of Financial Aid for support. Stay proactive and take control of your financial future!