Financial Aid - Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress

Students receiving financial assistance through a federal or state program must be making satisfactory progress towards a degree, diploma or certificate. The FAO must monitor satisfactory academic progress for all students receiving financial aid to ensure they are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their academic program in a reasonable period of time. Note that this policy is in addition to the academic standards required by the institution. The cumulative review determines the student's eligibility for financial assistance based on his or her academic history. Despite whether a student received financial aid in the past is not a factor when determining satisfactory academic progress. A student's progress is a cumulative review that begins when the student first enrolled in ATC. The FAO will consider academic probation and/or suspension by the Admissions/Records Office as not making satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes.

All aid recipients will be evaluated before making an award to a student and at the end of each semester to determine a student's initial and/or continued eligibility. After attempting 24 semester credit hours each student must:

Satisfactorily complete at least 67% of the total credit hours attempted at ATC.
Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
Must complete his/her program of study within a reasonable period of time.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Students who have attempted 24 or more credit hours must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.

Completion Rate

All students must satisfactorily complete at least 67% of the total credit hours attempted at ATC. Grades of F, W, WF, U and NC are not considered satisfactory; however, they are considered as attempted credit hours and may endanger a student's eligibility for future terms. This means for every 9 credit hours attempted the student must complete 6 credits successfully with a grade of A, B, C or D.

Length of Eligibility a/k/a Maximum Time Frame (MTF)

A student may receive financial aid for 1.5 times the published length of the program of study provided the student meets the academic standards outlined in this policy. For example, a student enrolled in a 60 credit hour program is eligible until 90 credit hours are attempted. Transfer hours are included when assessing the MTF. A student may repeat a course but repetitions will count toward the MTF. A student cannot receive any form of federal financial aid once a student has attempted 180 credit hours or attended Aiken Technical College for 8 years.

Program Changes

A student is allowed two programs of study changes before completing a degree, diploma or certificate. Additional changes by the student may result in suspension. A student changing from one program into a different program with fewer total required credit hours may lose federal and state eligibility immediately upon making this change. A student considering a change of study should consult with the FAO to discuss the effect of a change on SAP.

Developmental Course Work

Financial aid recipients may take a maximum of 30 credit hours of developmental course work consisting of English, Math and Reading courses numbered 0 - 100. These courses count toward hours attempted and will be considered in determining SAP.

Suspension

The completion rate and the GPA standard are assessed after a student has attempted 24 credit hours at the end of the spring and summer terms. If a student does not meet the minimum SAP requirements, the student is placed on financial aid suspension. Students may have their aid reinstated by submitting a letter of appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.

Each student is notified in writing when placed on suspension; however, it remains the responsibility of the student to be aware of his/her academic standing. A student that is allowed to return on academic probation through the Admissions and Records Office is not automatically eligible for financial aid.

Appeals Process

The Director of Financial Aid accepts appeals for students placed on suspension. A letter of appeal should explain the reason(s) why the student is not meeting the minimum standards of academic progress and include supporting documentation when applicable. Appeals may be approved reinstating a student's financial aid, however, the FAO reserves the right to place academic conditions on the student if eligibility is reinstated.

A student who is appealing because the length of eligibility has been exhausted or because of the number of program changes should obtain from their academic advisor a signed statement reflecting the remaining classes needed to complete the program of study and an anticipated completion date. This documentation should be submitted with the student's appeal.

A student whose appeal is denied by the Director of Financial Aid may appeal to the Vice President of Student Services. The student must submit an appeal to the Vice President of Student Services within five working days of receipt of the denial letter.

Students whose eligibility is not reinstated after the appeals process must pay tuition and fees during registration to enroll at ATC.