Professional Judgment
Policy

Death or Divorce

• Copy of death certificate (for deceased parent or spouse)
• Copy of divorce decree or separation agreement
• Signed copy of parent's and/or student's prior-year federal income tax return

Loss of Employment / Wages

• Termination or resignation letter stating the last date of employment
• Completed, signed prior-year federal income tax return, W-2 forms, and any relevant worksheets or schedules

Loss of Benefits (e.g., Child Support, Government Assistance)

• Copy of court order specifying the termination date and amount of child support
• Copy of letter from the appropriate state or federal agency specifying termination date and benefit amount
• Completed, signed prior-year federal income tax return, W-2 forms, and any relevant worksheets or schedules

Extraordinary Medical Expenses

• Receipts showing total patient liability (amounts due and not covered by insurance)
• If receipts do not indicate insurance coverage, a letter from the medical provider or insurer confirming the out-of-pocket amount
• Completed, signed prior-year federal income tax return, W-2 forms, and any relevant worksheets or schedules

Private School Tuition for Siblings

• Official tuition invoices — only tuition paid in the prior year may be considered
• Completed, signed prior-year federal income tax return, W-2 forms, and any relevant worksheets or schedules

Extraordinary Travel Expenses

• For travel by commercial transportation: receipts for fare to and from school
• For personal vehicle use: a written statement including origination point, destination, number of trips per week/month, and reason for travel
• Your statement must acknowledge that any false information will result in cancellation of student financial aid
• Note: federal regulations prohibit including automobile purchase or maintenance costs in student expense budgets
• Completed, signed prior-year federal income tax return, W-2 forms, and any relevant worksheets or schedules

Extreme Business or Farm Debt / Bankruptcy

• Documentation of the debt
• Documentation of the value of the business or farm liable for the debt
• Copy of court-ordered bankruptcy payment schedule
• Completed, signed prior-year federal income tax return, W-2 forms, and any relevant worksheets or schedules

Dependency Override

• Students under 24, unmarried, without dependents, and not a veteran or ward of the court are generally classified as dependent for federal aid purposes
• Overrides may be requested in cases of complete alienation between a student and parent — submit third-party statements (on agency letterhead) from social workers, school officials, clergy, or other authorities with direct knowledge of the situation
• The Director of Financial Aid makes the final determination — federal regulations do not permit an override solely because a parent refuses to pay for education

Computer Purchase

• The U.S. Department of Education permits schools to include up to $3,000 in a student's Cost of Attendance (COA) for a computer for educational use (may include a printer and maintenance contract)
• Allowed once as an undergraduate and once as a graduate student
• Additional software, printer supplies, or online service fees are assumed under existing COA allowances for books and supplies
• Submit a completed request form (available from the AVI Financial Aid office) along with a dated receipt/proof of purchase or a dated, itemized estimate of the proposed purchase
• Requests must be submitted no later than April 1 of the academic year in which the purchase is requested

Parent Attending College

A parent's enrollment in postsecondary education may be considered in the need analysis if it affects the family's ability to pay. AVI Career Training offers two options:

• Option 1 — Number in College: Parent must be enrolled full-time in a degree or certificate program. Provide certified proof of enrollment from the Registrar's office at the parent's institution.
• Option 2 — Adjusting Student Aid Index (SAI): If Option 1 conditions are not met, we may adjust eligibility using the parent's documentable college expenses. Provide: verification of admission to a degree/certificate program at half-time enrollment or greater; invoice for tuition for the concurrent enrollment period; receipts for books, supplies, or equipment; and employer verification that no tuition reimbursement is received.