Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of his/her eligibility for financial aid. Each student’s academic record will be evaluated at the end of every semester to determine their eligibility for financial aid the next term. Once a student becomes ineligible for financial aid based upon his/her failure to meet the minimum guidelines for attempted hours and/or GPA, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for ONE semester. The student is eligible to receive aid during that semester. If the student fails to regain eligibility at the end of the warning semester, financial aid will be suspended and the student must pay for their next semester of enrollment. A student’s financial aid will be reinstated the next semester of enrollment after meeting both the 67% hours attempted AND the 2.00 cumulative GPA requirements.

A student who has become ineligible for financial aid due to a failure to meet the minimum guidelines for satisfactory academic progress may appeal their status to the Financial Aid Office and request to be placed on Financial Aid Probation. Appeals will be considered for extenuating circumstances only (i.e. an extended illness or injury, death in the immediate family, length of time out of school, etc.) and must be made in writing stating why they failed to meet the guidelines and how those circumstances have changed. In addition, the student should provide all relevant supporting documentation (e.g. hospital/doctor verification, death certificate, etc).

Circumstances that are deemed to be academic in nature or within the student’s area of control are not usually considered as grounds for appeal. Appeals may be made for any student not meeting the 67% rule or the GPA requirement. Students with documented learning disabilities, medical conditions requiring a change in program, or those with a semester or less remaining to complete their program may appeal the 150% time frame. All appeals should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office. The student will receive a notice of approval or denial of their appeal to be placed on Financial Aid Probation in a timely manner.

Students who are placed on Financial Aid Probation may be required to meet specific criteria as outlined in an individualized Academic Plan in order to be eligible for continued receipt of financial aid.

If the student’s appeal is denied, their financial aid will be suspended and the student must pay for their next semester of enrollment. A student’s financial aid will be reinstated the next semester of enrollment after meeting both the 67% hours attempted AND the 2.00 cumulative GPA requirements. A student may appeal the decision of the Financial Aid Office by requesting, in writing, that their appeal be reviewed by the Financial Aid & Scholarship Committee.