Federal regulations require that educational institutions measure students’ progress toward a declared educational objective, both quantitatively and qualitatively. These standards will be applied uniformly to all students when determining their eligibility for federal and/or Lackawanna funds regardless of whether the student previously received these funds.
Quantitative Requirement
- Students enrolled for 12 or more credits per term (full time) are required to successfully complete a minimum of 21 credits per academic year.
- Students enrolled for 9 to 11 credits per term (three quarters time) must successfully complete at least 15 credits per academic year.
- Students enrolled for 6 to 8 credits per term (half time) must successfully complete at least 9 credits per academic year.
Students whose enrollment status varies during the academic year must earn a proportionate amount of credits.
PHEAA State Grant recipients who receive assistance as full time students must complete a minimum of 24 credits for the academic year while those who received assistance as part-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credits per academic year.
*Enrollment status is determined at the end of the 100% tuition refund period each term.*
In each classification, course non-completion, course withdrawals, and course repetitions are not counted.
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Qualitative Requirement
At the end of the first year of undergraduate study: 1.85
At the end of subsequent years of undergraduate study: 2.00
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Maximum Semesters of Aid Eligibility
A full time student is expected to complete all degree requirements within a maximum of six semesters. A part-time student is expected to complete all degree requirements within a maximum of twelve semesters. Students who change majors are responsible for completing the degree requirements within the specified timeframe.
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Both credit and GPA requirements are measured at the end of each spring semester. Students who first enroll during a spring semester will be reviewed at the end of their first semester. If one-half of their annual credit requirements are met, progress will then be measured on a regular academic year sequence. If not, they will be checked at the end of the fall term to determine continued eligibility.
Warning letters will be sent to students with deficiencies at the conclusion of the fall semester. After a second semester, students who have not met the required standards are not eligible for financial aid until the deficiency is resolved. A formal notice will be sent to the student informing him/her of this action. Financial aid may be reinstated when the student has reestablished satisfactory academic standing and/or has demonstrated a significant improvement in progress toward the educational objective. In all instances, it is the students’ responsibility to monitor their compliance with all the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for receipt of funds. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office in writing when cumulative GPA and/or credit requirements have been met.
In extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal financial aid termination, in writing, to the Director of Financial Aid. All waivers will be reviewed on an individual basis taking into consideration special circumstances and improved academic performance.
