Professional Judgment: 2024-25
Professional judgment (PJ) is sometimes viewed as one of the more challenging aspects of Title IV program administration. There are both explicit and implicit guidelines that must be followed in relation to other aspects of Title IV federal student aid administration. This guide will teach you guiding principles and assist in their application on your campus. Completion of this self-study guide qualifies individuals to take the corresponding NASFAA Professional Credential test.
Upon purchase, you'll have access to the e-Reader version, and/or download the PDF from the NASFAA website.
Free (Value Plus Members)
$119.00 (Members)
$228.00 (Non-Members)
Published April 2024
Learning Objectives
Lesson 1: Overview
- Meaning, purpose, and underlying principles of PJ;
- Areas of financial aid administration to which PJ may be applied; and
- General documentation requirements applicable when exercising PJ.
Lesson 2: Using Professional Judgment in Special Circumstances
- Know the different areas of need analysis in which professional judgment may be used;
- Identify conditions that may warrant, family contribution adjustment, or cost of attendance adjustment; and
- Understand how to exercise professional judgment in need analysis, through exploration of concrete examples.
Lesson 3: Using Professional Judgment in Unusual Circumstances
- Identify conditions that may warrant a dependency override;
- Understand unusual circumstance documentation requirements; and
- Determine how to exercise professional judgment in unusual circumstances thorough exploration of concrete examples.
Lesson 4: Using Professional Judgment in Originating Direct Loans
- Identify the conditions under which a financial aid administrator may deny or reduce a Direct Loan;
- Know the conditions under which a dependent student without parental data on the FAFSA may receive a Direct Loan; and
- Understand how to apply professional judgment in originating Direct Loans.