This Estimated Professional Judgment form allows Mines to estimate potential adjustments to your FAFSA before you submit official documentation. While many changes are significant, they do not always result in significantly different aid offers.

You may file this form if you have had an involuntary change in income or benefits. Examples include a layoff due to downsizing, no longer being able to work due to medical reasons/caregiving needs, or expiration of unemployment benefits. Voluntary retirement does not qualify for a professional judgment. Please contact our office if you want to discuss the nature of your loss of income or benefits.

You may also file this form if your marital status has changed since you filed the FAFSA. If your marital status changed before you completed the FAFSA, you should make adjustments at studentaid.gov.

Professional Judgment Steps for 2025-2026:

1. 1. Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA using the 2023 income.
   2. Submit this estimate form with as much information as possible including an explanation of the changes. This form is accepted through February 1, 2026 for 2025-2026 aid.
   3. Mines will respond to this Estimate submission with more information within two weeks.
   4. If an official Professional Judgment form is requested by Mines, you will upload the form and requested documentation through Trailhead. Uploads are accepted through February 28, 2026.
   5. You will receive an email at your Mines email when the Professional Judgment has been processed. Processing can take 2-4 weeks.
   6. You will receive a second email at your Mines email when their aid package has been updated. This should happen within a week of processing.

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