Request for Re-Evaluation

Sacred Heart University's objective is to offer students the best financial assistance award possible considering its policies, federal and state financial aid funding and the availability of institutional financial aid resources. However, in certain situations, students may appeal for a re-evaluation of their eligibility for financial assistance. Follow all of the instructions provided to ensure a complete review by Student Financial Assistance.

Review your eligibility to submit a Re-Evaluation Request: Professional Judgment/Special Conditions based on the circumstances below:

  • Divorce or separation
  • Loss of income due to involuntary loss of employment
  • Loss of income due to illness or disability
  • Major repairs after a natural disaster
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • High medical costs not covered by insurance

Federal regulations and institutional policies require that through the process of Professional Judgment (PJ) special conditions or circumstances that fall within certain parameters and are accompanied with quality supporting documentation will be re-evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note high mortgage costs, credit card/consumer debt, and other discretionary expenses will not be considered in our re-evaluation of financial aid eligibility.

Sacred Heart University does not negotiate financial aid offers and subsequently will not address appeals based on a disagreement with any of our financial aid policies. 

Filing the Appeal

Step 1

Download the form below if the reason for your appeal meets the aforementioned criteria for special circumstances:

Step 2

Submit the appropriate appeal form and all required documentation to Student Financial Assistance.

If you are a returning graduate student, you will need to submit the CSS Profile when requesting a re-evaluation for additional institutional aid.

Step 3

All submitted documentation becomes the property of Student Financial Assistance and will not be returned. Photocopies are accepted, but you may be asked to provide original documentation at a later time.

Awaiting the Decision

We ask that you please be patient while awaiting the outcome of your appeal as it is our goal to conduct a thorough review of each appeal that is submitted for consideration. Once a decision has been made you will be notified via email and SHUAwards. No changes will be made to the financial aid package until all applicable documents are received and verification of the original application has been completed.

Submission of a request for re-evaluation neither guarantees an adjustment to a student's award, nor prevents the accrual of late fees on any unpaid student account balance. You are responsible for payment of your Sacred Heart University bill while the appeal is pending. Proceed with loan applications in the interim; we can always reduce the amount of the loan you are borrowing if your appeal is approved.

All financial aid awards are, by nature, personal and highly confidential. It is not only inappropriate, but against Sacred Heart University policies to discuss or disclose your financial aid award with others or through the use of social media. By filing an appeal, and signing the certification on either form, you are hereby agreeing to these guidelines.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (SFA) understands that there may be special circumstances not indicated on the FAFSA that can have an impact on a family in many different ways. A Professional Judgment (PJ) is designed to recognize extenuating circumstances and allows financial aid administrators to make adjustments on a student’s behalf to more accurately represent the student’s/family’s financial situation. SFA will reevaluate based on each student’s circumstance on a case-by-case basis, and does not guarantee that students who submit this request will be given an adjustment. Parents/students can request a PJ if any of the following circumstances applies to them.

  • Loss of income due to unemployment 
  • Loss of income due to illness, disability or death 
  • Divorce or Separation after initial filing of the FAFSA
  • Loss of compensation benefits reported on the federal tax transcript or on FAFSA under the section of untaxed income (e.g. social security benefits, TNAF and welfare)
  • Taxable income due to a one time payout appearing on the federal tax transcript (e.g. conversion or IRA fund to Roth IRA)
  • Medical or dental expenses incurred or will incur (not covered by insurance or employer)

To request a Professional Judgment, submit the Professional Judgment Form along with all the required supporting documents to Student Financial Assistance.

For any further questions about professional adjustments, email sfa@sacredheart.edu or call 203-371-7980.