A financial aid appeal is an opportunity for you to request a re-evaluation of your financial aid eligibility or an appeal of a financial aid policy or decision. If you've experienced special circumstances that may affect your aid, you might qualify to submit an appeal.

Please review the appeal options below to learn more about qualifying circumstances and how to get started. 

Professional Judgment Appeals

A Professional Judgment Appeal allows a financial aid administrator to make case-by-case adjustments to certain data elements on your FAFSA or CADAA based on special circumstances. These adjustments require adequate documentation and do not guarantee an increase in your financial aid award.

Professional Judgment: Special Circumstances (SAI Appeal)

If your income has changed and you would like your situation reviewed by a Financial Aid Administrator, please complete the Professional Judgement Appeal Questionnaire. 

  • Independent Students: You may qualify for additional aid if you or your spouse (if married) experienced a reduction in income.
  • Dependent Students: You may qualify for additional funding if you or your parent(s) experienced a reduction in income.

*Note: You may be required to submit copies of your W-2s and/or Federal Tax Return Transcripts.

Professional Judgment: Unusual Circumstances (Dependency)

Your dependency status for financial aid is determined by your FAFSA or CADAA. In very rare cases, students may be considered independent due to unusual and extreme circumstances, such as documented abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Please note:

  • Living independently,
  • Financial self-support, or
  • Parents refusing to provide information

do not qualify as reasons for a dependency override under federal guidelines.

If you believe you have a qualifying situation and would like us to review your dependency status, please complete the Professional Judgement Appeal Questionnaire. You will be required to submit additional documentation. 

Professional Judgement Appeal Questionnaire

Cost of Attendance Appeal

If you believe the Cost of Attendance (COA) used to determine your financial aid does not accurately reflect your actual expenses during the academic year, you may submit a Cost of Attendance Appeal.

This appeal may be appropriate if:

  • You were assigned an “At Home” COA (based on living with parents/guardians) but are actually living independently. In this case, you may submit a copy of your lease or rental agreement as documentation.
  • You have educational or living expenses that exceed the standard COA assigned to you. Supporting documentation of these expenses will be required.

While an increase in aid is not guaranteed, a financial aid administrator will thoroughly review your appeal and supporting documentation.

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

Submitting of a Cost of Attendance Appeal with supporting documentation does not guarantee approval. Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Advisor Committee, and final decisions are made at their discretion. If your appeal is denied, you may request further review by 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 portal, you can submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal to request reconsideration and potentially regain your eligibility. 

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!

What to Include in Your SAP Appeal

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

1. PCC Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Form (available in LancerPoint or at the Financial Aid Office)

2. Detailed Personal Statement explaining:

    • What exceptional or extenuating circumstances prevented you from meeting SAP standards
    • How those challenges have been resolved
    • Your plan and expected timeline for completing your academic program

3. Supporting Documentation (if applicable) proving exceptional or extenuating circumstances beyond your control. This will help us better understand your situation and should relate to the timeframe during which your academic progress was affected. Examples of exceptional and extenuating circumstances may include:

      • Medical issues or hospitalization
      • Medical or mental health conditions
      • Death of a relative or significant person
      • Loss of, limited, or difficulty finding childcare
      • Divorce or separation
      • Military service
      • Loss or change in employment
      • Homelessness or housing insecurity
      • Change of major or program

These are just examples—if you’ve experienced any situation beyond your control that impacted your ability to meet academic standards, you are encouraged to submit any documentation that helps explain your experience.

If third-party documentation cannot be reasonably obtained, you may provide a self-attestation describing your circumstances in detail. We understand that not all situations come with formal paperwork, and we’re committed to reviewing your appeal with care and compassion.

Every student’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support you through the process.

4. Your most recent Student Comprehensive Educational Plan, showing:

    • All required courses for your declared program
    • Your expected completion timeline

Note: Only courses listed in your approved Comprehensive Educational Plan will be eligible for financial aid disbursement.

Appeal Review Process

The Appeals Committee will review your request based on federal guidelines and institutional SAP policies. If approved, you may be placed on financial aid probation and required to follow an academic plan. As long as you meet the terms of this plan, you will continue to receive financial aid.

If your appeal is denied, you may request a second-level review.

You may submit a SAP Appeal during any term after losing financial aid eligibility. There is no limit to the number of appeals you may submit during your time at PCC, although only one appeal may be submitted per term. Appeals must be submitted no later than three weeks before the end of the term.

Once your complete appeal is submitted, a decision will be sent to you within 45 days. This ensures timely communication and gives you the opportunity to plan your next steps with clarity and support.

Reestablishing Aid Eligibility

If you are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and choose not to appeal, don’t worry—you can still get back on track and become eligible for financial aid again.

You can regain eligibility by:

  • Achieving a 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Successfully completing at least 67% of your attempted coursework

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.

Need Help?

Appeals can be submitted electronically through LancerPoint or in person at the Financial Aid Office. If you have questions or need help preparing your appeal, we’re here to support you—just reach out!

Stay proactive and take control of your financial future. You’ve got this!