Your financial aid eligibility is determined using the information you reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the applicable academic year. In some cases, circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA may affect your ability to pay for your education. When this occurs, federal regulations permit financial aid administrators to exercise professional judgment on a case-by-case basis to adjust FAFSA data elements that impact your aid eligibility. These changes cannot be made without supporting documentation.
These adjustments may increase your eligibility for need-based aid. This includes Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and the Federal Work Study Program. For New Jersey residents, this includes the New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (NJ TAG).
Important: The purpose of a professional judgment review is to determine eligibility for additional need-based aid. Students who already have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of –$1,500 do not need to submit the form below, as this represents the lowest SAI and the highest financial need recognized by the federal government. Because a professional judgment review cannot reduce the SAI below this level, it will not affect aid eligibility. If your SAI is –$1,500, contact your financial aid counselor to discuss whether other options may be available based on your individual circumstances.
Financial aid counselors may be reached via email at onestop@rider.edu, Zoom, or phone at 609-896-5360.
Acceptable Professional Judgement Reasons
- Loss or reduction of income (job or disability benefit loss)
- Divorce or separation
- Rollover of IRA or pension funds
- Custody
- Death of parent or spouse
- Homelessness
- Abusive or unsafe family or living environment; documented abandonment
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Incarceration
Professional Judgement Request Deadlines
Academic Year 2025-2026: April 1, 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027: April 1, 2027
*Subject to change