Additional Aid Appeals
REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID
At Hawaii Pacific University, we understand that circumstances happen outside of our control and some things are not taken into consideration initially when applying for financial aid. Students may appeal for additional federal and/or institutional aid to assist with covering the cost of attendance.
Before completing an appeal for additional financial aid, we highly encourage our students to complete the FAFSA application for the current academic year. This ensures that our students are offered the best award package they are eligible for upfront.
We have two (2) different types of appeals available for students to choose from based on their situation. Please select one of the following options that best fit your case.
Note:
*There is no guarantee that your financial aid award package will increase as a result of pursuing an appeal.
*If your FAFSA shows your Student Aid Index (SAI) is less than or equal to 0, you have been awarded the maximum amount of federal aid and are ineligible to apply for a Professional Judgment Appeal.
Important Dates:
- 2025-2026 Professional Judgment (PJ) Deadline: 04/01/2026
- 2026-2027 Professional Judgment (PJ) Deadline: 04/01/2027
- 2026-2027 Professional Judgment (PJ) Appeal Link Availability: Upcoming March 2026
- Reviews for 2026-2027 PJs & Institutional Aid Appeals Will Begin: 03/01/2026
PLEASE GATHER ALL THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS BELOW PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO PREVENT DELAYS IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Required Documents for Appeals
- A signed copy of the 2023 Federal 1040 Tax Return (parent(s) taxes for dependent students and student's taxes (spouse if applicable) for independent students).
- A detailed statement of your current financial situation (why you are requesting an appeal).
- One month's worth of your most recent paystubs with your name and year to date amounts included (your last paystub if employment has ended and you are not currently working).
- And any other supporting documentation that can corroborate the loss of income, and/or support the current income being received.
- Retirement documentation if applicable (document should have a beginning date and pension amount on them).
- A signed copy of your letter of resignation or termination letter.
- Unemployment and/or disability documentation, etc.
- A signed copy of the 2024 Federal 1040 Tax Return (parent(s) taxes for dependent students and student's taxes (spouse if applicable) for independent students).
- A detailed statement of your current financial situation (why you are requesting an appeal).
- One month's worth of your most recent paystubs with your name and year to date amounts included (your last paystub if employment has ended and you are not currently working).
- And any other supporting documentation that can corroborate the loss of income, and/or support the current income being received.
- Retirement documentation if applicable (document should have a beginning date and pension amount on them).
- A signed copy of your letter of resignation or termination letter.
- Unemployment and/or disability documentation, etc.