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Financial Aid Policies and Scholarships
Financial Aid Policies
Financial aid is defined as any financial resource used to pay for college expenses; this may include but is not limited to grants, scholarships, student loans and federal workstudy funding. It is not always possible to assist all eligible applicants to the full amount of financial need. Financial aid can be received from several sources (Franklin College, federal, state, and/or external awards) and must be coordinated by the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that total aid received does not exceed regulatory limits. Students and parents should contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions regarding the aid application or awarding process.
Note: Students enrolled in a Franklin College graduate program are not eligible for institutional scholarships and grants.
General Financial Aid Information
Institutional Scholarship and Grant Assistance for Undergraduate Students
Franklin College offers a wide variety of scholarships and grants to qualified students. Most scholarships are based on academic achievement while most grants are based on financial need. Most undergraduate students are considered for scholarships upon admission to the college.
Enrollment–Students must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more each semester) to be considered for Franklin College grants and scholarships, maximum State of Indiana grants, and maximum Federal Pell Grants. Part-time students (six to 11 hours) may only qualify for Federal grants and student loans. Students applying for financial aid by April 15 of each year will receive full consideration for all forms of financial assistance. Some scholarships, as noted, may require a separate application with an earlier deadline.
Application–The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all aid beyond a merit scholarship or tuition remission. The FAFSA can be filed at www.studentaid.gov and should be submitted by April 15 for each year that financial assistance is requested. Students filing the FAFSA after April 15 will not be considered for State of Indiana grant assistance, but will be considered for federal and institutional funding.
Adjustment to Financial Assistance–A financial aid award may be reviewed and adjusted at any time during the academic year contingent upon federal and state regulations. Students should promptly report family financial changes to the Office of Financial Aid. Students are required to report all financial aid received from external funding sources.
Financial Aid for Study Abroad–Students are invited to apply for study abroad assistance through the Office of Global Education. With the assistance of generous donors, Franklin College has established scholarships specifically for international travel. Additional information regarding specific scholarships available for international travel follows.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)–Students must make satisfactory progress toward graduation each academic year to be eligible to receive additional financial assistance for the following academic year. Detailed SAP policies for the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science in Athletic Training, and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies can be found at the end of this section of the catalog.
Scholarships for Travel Abroad
Raymond D. and Enid McCaslin Kelly Fund This fund was established in order to encourage Franklin College students to participate in educationally related travel experiences. Awards are used to underwrite airline expenses associated with official student travel. Students participating in semester-long study-abroad programs will be given first consideration, followed by those participating in a minimum three-week internship or study program through Franklin College. Participation in immersive-term travel, as well as other travel programs will only be considered if there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates for the first two types of program. Selection Criteria 1. Student must be enrolled full time at Franklin College. 2. Student must be participating in a Franklin College-sponsored domestic or international travel experience.
David M. Davidsen Memorial Scholarship This scholarship will provide funds for Franklin College students to study abroad to promote cultural understanding and to help students become active and responsible members of the global community. The scholarship will provide a stipend to one or more deserving students who meet the criteria outlined below. Selection Criteria 1. Franklin College sophomore or junior (when undertaking the program). 2. GPA requirement of 3.00. 3. Participating in a semester-long study-abroad program through Franklin College, or a summer studyabroad program that lasts at least 10 weeks. 4. Students must complete the study-abroad program before commencing their senior year at the College.
Jay and Susan DeVoss Endowed Scholarship for International Travel This scholarship provides income for students engaged in a study abroad experience through Franklin College. The scholarship will be awarded to a new applicant each year and, in particular, to those participating in a semester-long study abroad program, a summer study abroad program, or an Immersive Term study abroad program, in that order. Selection Criteria 1. Students must complete the study-abroad program before commencing their senior year at Franklin College. 2. The recipient must meet full-time enrollment requirements at Franklin College. 3. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need. 4. Preference will be given to students participating in a formal study-abroad experience at Franklin College. 5. Preference will be given to students who graduated from high schools in Adams, Allen and Johnson counties.
Intercultural Honors Experience (IHE) Students accepted into the IHE and who satisfy the requirements of the program (participation in required course activities and receipt of at least a B in the IHE spring seminar) are eligible to apply for scholarship funds to study abroad. The amount of the award will depend on the choice of program, student’s financial need, and quality of the application. Students must complete one semester at Franklin College following their semester abroad. Selection Criteria for the IHE 1. Current Franklin College first-year student, sophomore or junior. 2. Minimum GPA of 3.00. 3. Application, essay, written exam, and interview.
Branigin Foundation Endowed Scholarship This scholarship is for entering students to help fund their education at Franklin College. Branigin Scholars are guaranteed a scholarship to study abroad. In years where funds are available, other upper-class students with majors and interests in Business, Modern Languages, and other international areas may apply for the scholarship. Branigin scholars may use the funds for an immersive-term or semester study-abroad program. Selection Criteria 1. Business majors with an international emphasis (international business, modern languages, international relations, etc.) 2. Minimum GPA of 2.5
Leonard Foreign Language Travel Endowed Award This scholarship is designed to promote cultural understanding and foreign language fluency, and to engage Franklin College language majors and minors in countries where their target language is spoken. The scholarship will provide a stipend to one or more deserving students for a study abroad opportunity which will cover transportation and lodging costs. Selection Criteria 1. French and Spanish majors and minors. 2. GPA requirement of 3.00. 3. Preference will be given to students with at least sophomore standing. 4. Students must be traveling to a country where their language of study is spoken.
Scholarship for Immersive Term Travel only:
The Sonya Baker-Hallett Tri Delta Scholarship Fund Established by a Franklin College Tri Delta alumna to fund onetime scholarships to Tri Deltas who exemplify the organization's mission of advancing women's education and philanthropy. Selection Criteria Preference will be given to Tri Deltas who: 1. are involved with philanthropy or community service; 2. are taking advantage of FC's travel programs; 3. have a minimum GPA of 3.00; 4. have residential ties to Johnson, Marion, or Clark counties.
Scholarship for Summer Travel only:
Bridges Travel Prize Established by Bill and Lynn Bridges to fund a summer trip for Franklin College students majoring in both journalism and a foreign language. Students are expected to undertake study opportunities, and spend the majority of the time in a country where their language specialties are spoken. Selection Criteria 1. Must be a junior by February of the year the prize is to be used 2. Must have a 3.0 GPA in each major
Federal Assistance Programs
Federal Pell Grant–All students are considered for this federal grant by filing the FAFSA. Eligibility is based on federal need analysis criteria.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant–Federal Pell Grant recipients receive first priority for this federal grant awarded through Franklin College.
Federal College Workstudy–This is an employment program that is jointly funded by the federal government and Franklin College. Eligible students must have financial need and work on-campus or at an approved off-campus sites for approximately 5-20 hours per week.
Army ROTC Scholarships–Four, three, and two-year Army ROTC Scholarships will pay up to full tuition and fees at Franklin College. In addition, an annual payment of $450 for books and $1,500 general subsistence allowance are added for each school year the scholarship is in effect.
Direct Subsidized Loan–This is a loan program is funded by the federal government. It is a fixed rate program (interest rates set annually by the U.S. DOE) to assist students with financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA. The interest is paid by the federal government while the student is enrolled, and repayment begins six months after graduation, withdrawal, or with enrollment of less than 6 credit hours. An estimated 1% fee is deducted from each loan prior to disbursement. First time borrowers must complete a loan entrance interview and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentaid.gov.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan–This is a loan program that is funded by the federal government. It is a fixed rate program to assist students who may or may not demonstrate financial need. Unlike the Direct Subsidized Loan, the interest accrued from the Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not paid by the federal government. An estimated 1% fee is deducted from each loan prior to disbursement. First time borrowers must complete a loan entrance interview and a Mater Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentaid.gov.
Direct Parent PLUS Loan–Parents who wish to borrow to help finance their student’s education may apply for this loan option. The interest rate is fixed and established annually by the U.S. DOE. Interest accrual will begin within 60 days of funds disbursement. Repayment may begin while the student is enrolled; however, the borrower may also request loan deferment until after the student graduates, withdraws, or is enrolled in less than 6 credit hours. Financial need is not required. Fees are deducted from each loan prior to disbursement. Apply by going to www.studentaid.gov.
State of Indiana Assistance
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) awards need-based grant assistance to eligible Indiana residents.
Awards are based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the cost of attendance. All students must file the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA by April 15 each year. Full-time enrollment is required to receive many of these grants.
The Indiana CHE Division of Student Financial Aid also awards non-renewable Hoosier Scholar Awards to selected graduates of Indiana high schools. Recipients are selected by their respective high schools.
Students participating in the State of Indiana 21st Century Scholars Program are eligible to use their scholarship benefits at Franklin College. Award values are determined by the State of Indiana, and recipients must maintain eligibility for renewal based on State of Indiana criteria. Additional state assistance for minority (black or Hispanic) students seeking a career in education or any student seeking a career in special education is available. Applications are available via https://www.in.gov/che/4498.htm. Full-time enrollment is required to receive any of these awards.
Other Financial Aid
Campus Employment - Students work 5-15 hours per week in an office on campus. Franklin College funds this program for students.
Vocational Rehabilitation - This is funded by the State of Indiana, for students with disabilities, to help pay for educational expenses. Contact the local Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Office for details.
Veterans Benefits – The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays up to $23,671.94 (2018-2019) in undergraduate tuition and fees for those who qualify based on certification from the VA. Tuition benefits are paid directly to the institution.
Yellow Ribbon Program – Under this program Franklin College guarantees up to 50% of the remaining tuition after the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. The other 50% is matched by the VA. These benefits are paid directly to the institution. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive Yellow Ribbon funding.
Students will need to apply for VA benefits at www.gibill.va.gov. Eligible veterans should contact the veterans’ counselor in the academic records office at Franklin College (phone 317-738-8018).
External Sources - Many financial aid funds provided by sponsors such as business, industry, labor unions, service clubs, etc., may be used at Franklin College. Contact high school guidance counselors for information.
Tuition Exchange - Franklin College participates in two tuition exchange programs: The Tuition Exchange Inc. and The Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program. Participation is contingent on the employment of a parent at an institution which also participates in these programs. Awards are valued at up to full tuition, depending on the student’s eligibility for other tuition specific awards or entitlement funding. Students selected to receive awards will receive a participation agreement form that further defines the rights and responsibilities of a program participant.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree – Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards and Procedures
To be eligible for Federal and/or Indiana State financial aid at Franklin College, a student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards listed below. Federal regulations require that your entire Franklin College academic record be reviewed for SAP, including semesters in which you did not apply for or receive financial aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards (evaluated at the end of each term.) Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) – Qualitative o Freshman (0 - 26 credits) cumulative GPA of 1.60 on a 4.00 scale (end of 1st semester) cumulative GPA of 1.80 on a 4.00 scale (beyond 1st semester) o Sophomore (27-57 credits) cumulative GPA of 1.90 on a 4.00 scale o Junior/Senior (58+ credits) cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale
Completion Rate – Quantitative o The total credit hours earned divided by the total credit hours attempted. A student may not fall below a 67% completion rate. Courses completed with grades of A, B, C, and D count toward earned credit hours. Courses completed with grades of F, W, I or any other grade that does not result in credit hours completed will not count in earned hours. Maximum Degree Completion (i.e. Duration) o A student must complete their degree program without having attempted more than 150% of the number of credits required for the degree. Example: If a degree program requires 120 credit hours to complete, the student must complete the degree program without having attempted more than 180 credits (120 x 1.5 = 180).
Warning Semester
Students who fail to meet the SAP GPA and/or SAP Completion Rate standard(s) will be placed on SAP Warning and will have one semester to restore their satisfactory academic progress standing. During the SAP Warning semester, a student will be awarded the financial aid for which they have applied and are otherwise eligible. If it is determined that a student will not meet the SAP Maximum Degree Completion standard, that student’s aid eligibility is immediately terminated.
Appeal for SAP Probationary Semester
Students who have been placed on SAP Warning and fail to restore their satisfactory academic progress standing after the SAP Warning semester are placed on suspension status under which Federal and Indiana State student aid eligibility is lost. A student may appeal this determination to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal must include the SAP Appeal Form and a signed personal statement. Supporting documentation may be requested by the Director of Financial Aid. Reasons that may be acceptable for an appeal may include but are not limited to: (1) serious illness or accident on the part of the student; (2) death, accident or serious illness in the immediate family; (3) change in academic program; and, (4) other extenuating circumstances. The signed personal statement must include the following: (1.) the student’s clear understanding of what SAP standard(s) they failed to meet, (2.) what circumstances led to them not meeting the standard(s), and (3) what has changed that will allow the student to restore their satisfactory academic progress standing after the SAP Probationary semester. Please note that merely filing a SAP appeal does NOT guarantee continued eligibility for Federal and/or Indiana State aid, as an appeal may be denied. Notification of the appeal results will take place within ten business days from the receipt of the appeal. If an appeal is approved, the student will be placed on SAP Probation and an Academic Plan will be implemented to measure the student’s progress during the SAP Probationary semester. For the SAP Probationary semester, the student will be considered eligible for Federal and/or Indiana State aid for which the student has applied. If an appeal is denied, the suspension decision is final for that semester. The student may re-establish eligibility for a subsequent semester by taking action that brings him or her into compliance with the SAP standards. Suspension from financial aid does not prevent students from enrolling without financial aid if they are otherwise eligible to continue their enrollment.
Regaining Eligibility
Students who failed to meet these Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and who choose to enroll without benefit of student financial aid may request a review of their academic record after any term in which they are
enrolled without the receipt of financial aid. If the standards are met at the time of review, eligibility may be regained for subsequent terms of enrollment in the academic year.
Grading, GPA, and correlation to SAP standards
The college employs the following grading system, based on a 4.00 grading scale:
Letter Grade A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF I NG AU S U W WF WP CR
Grading Reference Description
Exceptional
Good
GPA
SAP Correlation
4.00 Qualitative/Quantitative 3.67 Qualitative/Quantitative 3.33 Qualitative/Quantitative 3.00 Qualitative/Quantitative 2.67 Qualitative/Quantitative 2.33 Qualitative/Quantitative
Satisfactory
2.00 Qualitative/Quantitative 1.67 Qualitative/Quantitative 1.33 Qualitative/Quantitative Passing, but unsatisfactory 1.00 Qualitative/Quantitative 0.67 Qualitative/Quantitative
Failure 0.00 Qualitative/Quantitative
Incomplete No grad reported Audit Satisfactory (Pass) Unsatisfactory (Fail) Withdrawal Withdrawal Failing Withdrawal Passing Advanced placement & departmental credit - Quantitative
- Quantitative
-
Quantitative 0.00 Qualitative/Quantitative - Quantitative
- Quantitative
I (incomplete): Indicates there is still a possibility for credit after further work. It is used by the classroom instructor when a definite grade cannot be given because of a student’s illness or because of some justifiable delay in the completion of the work. The student initiates the process by filling out a petition to be granted an incomplete grade; these forms are available in the Academic Records Office. The course instructor then approves the written appeal after having reviewed the circumstances, and indicates in writing how the incomplete may be resolved, and establishes, in consultation with the student, a definite but reasonable completion date for all course work, usually as early as possible. The Academic Rules Committee must then approve all requests and may modify the due date after discussing the matter with the appropriate faculty member. When an incomplete grade is granted, it is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor involved and to determine exactly the instructor’s expectations regarding the fulfillment of the course work. The grade of “I” is not calculated into the grade point average. The “I” changes to an “F” if the work is not satisfactorily completed by the specified time, or no later than six weeks after the beginning of the next semester.
NG (no grade): Used for reporting mid-semester grades for practica, seminars, and individual studies, or may be used administratively by the Academic Records Office. The NG may also be assigned to labs with no separate credit awarded.
AU (audit): Given only for informational instruction obtained by attending the course. The student must elect to audit a course within the first week of classes and cannot take the course for credit thereafter. Students will not
be awarded course credit for those courses they choose to audit. Should the student not attend the course, the instructor may administratively withdraw the student from the audited course. Students may only audit two courses during a given semester.
S or U (pass or fail): Neither the S nor U contributes to or detracts from the grade point average; however, credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
W (withdrawal): A grade of “W” is not calculated into the grade point average; however, credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
WP (withdrawal passing): Not calculated into the grade point average; however, credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
WF (withdrawal failing): Is calculated into the grade point average as an “F” and credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
CR (advanced placement & departmental credit): Used to denote credit awarded to a student according to performance upon certain nationally standardized examinations or departmental examinations. Credit hours are awarded and course equivalences determined. The placement does not affect the grade point average; however, credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
[ ] (repeated course): Retaking courses in which the student either received a passing or failing grade, adversely affects the student's ability to meet the progress requirements. All attempted credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
[ ] (repeated course) – continued: Students are allowed only one time to repeat a course in which they achieved a passing grade. After one allowable time, the student will not earn federal financial assistance for future repeats. For example: a student earns a "D" in a course and wants to repeat the class (the student has already repeated a passing grade course one other time). If the repeat course makes the enrollment full-time (9 credits + 3 credit hour repeat) then the federal aid will be adjusted to ¾ time enrollment for 9 credit hours. If the course is added to full-time enrollment of 12 or more credit hours, the student can receive federal aid based on full-time status.
Transfer Credits: Only transfer credit hours officially accepted will be counted in the maximum number of attempted (and completed) credit hours for financial aid eligibility. If the student is required to take additional hours that would exceed the maximum cumulative allowable hours, the student must submit a written appeal to the Office of Financial Aid. If the appeal is approved, the student may continue to receive financial aid.
Second Degree Students: Students who are enrolled in a degree program, which is equal to or lower than a degree already earned, will have the previous degree's accepted credit hours applied toward the student's current certificate or degree program. The accepted credit hours will be counted in the maximum number of allowable credit hours for financial aid eligibility.
Per Electronic Announcement (2020-03-05): Circumstances related to an outbreak of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, the illness of a student or family member, compliance with a quarantine period, or the general disruption resulting from such an outbreak may form the basis of a student’s SAP appeal even if not specifically articulated in the institution’s SAP policy.
Master of Science in Athletic Training – Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards and Procedures
The Office of Financial Aid has developed the following standards and procedures regarding Satisfactory Academic Performance (SAP) as it pertains to the Master of Science in Athletic Training students’ financial aid eligibility. Federal regulations require a student’s entire Franklin College academic program record be reviewed for SAP, including semesters in which they did not apply for or receive financial aid. A student who fails to maintain the required SAP standards will be placed on SAP Warning. With failure to improve, the student may find their eligibility for financial aid suspended.
The following standards will measure the student’s qualitative and quantitative progress towards degree completion. Furthermore, a student’s maximum timeframe will also be measured.
Qualitative: Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
To successfully maintain the qualitative standard of SAP, the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Quantitative: Completion Rate
To successfully maintain the quantitative standard of SAP, the student must maintain a cumulative completion rate of 2/3 or 67% (the total credit hours earned divided by the total credit hours attempted). Courses completed with grades of A, B, C, and D count toward earned credit hours. Courses completed with grades of F, W, I or any other grade that does not result in credit hours completed will not count in earned hours.
Maximum Timeframe: Duration
To successfully maintain the duration standard of SAP, the student must be able to complete their degree program without having attempted more than 150% of the number of credits required for the degree. Example: If a degree program requires 60 credit hours to complete, the student must complete the degree program without having attempted more than 90 credits (60 x 1.5 = 90).
Grades and GPA Equivalencies
The MSAT program requires a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA). The grading system for the MSAT program is defined below:
Grade Range Letter Grade Quality Points
90–100 A 4.00
87–89.99
83–86.99
80–82.99 A-
B+
B 3.67
3.33
3.00
77–79.99 B- 2.67
73–76.99 C+
70–72.99
Below 70
Incomplete
No Grade C
F
I
NG
Audit AU
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Withdrawal S
U
W
Withdrawal/Fail WF
Withdrawal/Pass WP
Transfer Credit TR 2.33
2.00
0.00
0.00
SAP Warning
A student will be placed on SAP Warning for one semester due to the failure of maintaining one or more of the above SAP standards. Failure to improve will result in the student’s immediate suspension of financial aid eligibility.
SAP Suspension
A student for whom financial aid eligibility has been suspended may appeal this determination to the Director of Financial Aid.
The appeal must include the SAP Appeal Form and a signed personal statement. Supporting documentation may be requested by the Director of Financial Aid. Reasons that may be acceptable for an appeal may include but are not limited to: (1) serious illness or accident on the part of the student; (2) death, accident or serious illness in the immediate family; and (4) other extenuating circumstances.
The signed personal statement must include the following: (1.) the student’s clear understanding of what SAP standard(s) they failed to meet, (2.) what circumstances led to them not meeting the standard(s), and (3) what has changed that will allow the student to restore their satisfactory academic progress standing after a SAP Probationary semester.
Merely filing an appeal does NOT guarantee continued eligibility for Federal aid, as an appeal may be denied. Notification of the appeal results will take place within ten business days from the receipt of the appeal.
SAP Probationary Semester
If an appeal is approved, the student will be placed on SAP Probation and an Academic Plan will be implemented to measure the student’s progress during the SAP Probationary semester and the student will be considered eligible for Federal aid for which the student has applied.
Denied Appeals
If an appeal is denied, the suspension decision is final. The student may re-establish eligibility for a subsequent semester by taking action that brings him or her into compliance with the SAP standards. Suspension from receiving financial aid does not prevent students from enrolling if they are otherwise eligible to continue their enrollment.
Regaining Eligibility
Students who failed to meet the SAP standards and who choose to enroll without benefit of student financial aid may request a review of their academic record after any term in which they are enrolled without the receipt of financial aid. If the standards are met at the time of review, eligibility may be regained for subsequent term of enrollment.
SAP Terminology
Withdrawals (W): Courses that are recorded on the student's permanent academic transcript will be included as credit hours attempted. These will have an adverse effect on the student's ability to meet the requirements of the credit hour progression schedule for financial aid.
Incomplete grades (I): Courses that are assigned an incomplete grade are included in the cumulative credit hours attempted. These cannot be used as credit hours earned in the progress standard until a successful grade is assigned.
Repeated Courses: Retaking courses in which the student either received a passing or failing grade, adversely affects the student's ability to meet the progress requirements. All attempted credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
Students are allowed only one time to repeat a course in which they achieved a passing grade. After one allowable time, the student will not earn federal financial assistance for future repeats.
Transfer Credits: Only transfer credit hours officially accepted will be counted in the maximum number of attempted (and completed) credit hours for financial aid eligibility. If the student is required to take additional hours that would exceed the maximum cumulative allowable hours, the student must submit a written appeal to the Office of Financial Aid. If the appeal is approved, the student may continue to receive financial aid.
Progress Standards and Procedures
The Office of Financial Aid has developed the following standards and procedures regarding Satisfactory Academic Performance (SAP) as it pertains to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies students’ financial aid eligibility. Federal regulations require a student’s entire Franklin College academic program record be reviewed for SAP, including semesters in which they did not apply for or receive financial aid. A student who fails to maintain the required SAP standards will be placed on SAP Warning. With failure to improve, the student may find their eligibility for financial aid suspended.
Qualitative: Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
To successfully maintain the qualitative standard of SAP, the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Quantitative: Completion Rate
To successfully maintain the quantitative standard of SAP, the student must maintain a cumulative completion rate of 2/3 or 67% (the total credit hours earned divided by the total credit hours attempted). Courses completed with grades of A, B, C, and D count toward earned credit hours. Courses completed with grades of F, W, I or any other grade that does not result in credit hours completed will not count in earned hours.
Maximum Timeframe: Duration
To successfully maintain the duration standard of SAP, the student must complete their degree program without having attempted more than 150% of the number of credits required for the degree. Example: If a degree program requires 111 credit hours to complete, the student must be able to complete the degree program without having attempted more than 166.5 credits (111 x 1.5 = 166.5).
Grades and GPA Equivalencies
The MSPAS program requires a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA). The grading system for the MSPAS program is defined below:
Grade Range
90–100
87–89.99
83–86.99
80–82.99
77–79.99
73–76.99
70–72.99
Below 70
Incomplete No Grade
Audit
Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Withdrawal
Withdrawal/Fail Withdrawal/Pass
Letter Grade
A
A‐ B+
B
B‐ C+
C
F
I
NG
AU
S
U
W
WF
WP
Quality Points
4.00
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.67
2.33
2.00
0.00
‐ 0.00
SAP Warning
A student will be placed on SAP Warning for one semester due to the failure of maintaining one or more of the above SAP standards. Failure to improve will result in the student’s immediate suspension of financial aid eligibility.
SAP Suspension
A student for whom financial aid eligibility has been suspended may appeal this determination to the Director of Financial Aid.
The appeal must include the SAP Appeal Form and a signed personal statement. Supporting documentation may be requested by the Director of Financial Aid. Reasons that may be acceptable for an appeal may include but are not limited to: (1) serious illness or accident on the part of the student; (2) death, accident or serious illness in the immediate family; and (4) other extenuating circumstances.
The signed personal statement must include the following: (1.) the student’s clear understanding of what SAP standard(s) they failed to meet, (2.) what circumstances led to them not meeting the standard(s), and (3) what has changed that will allow the student to restore their satisfactory academic progress standing after a SAP Probationary semester.
Merely filing an appeal does NOT guarantee continued eligibility for Federal aid, as an appeal may be denied. Notification of the appeal results will take place within ten business days from the receipt of the appeal.
SAP Probationary Semester
If an appeal is approved, the student will be placed on SAP Probation and an Academic Plan will be implemented to measure the student’s progress during the SAP Probationary semester and the student will be considered eligible for Federal aid for which the student has applied.
Denied Appeals
If an appeal is denied, the suspension decision is final. The student may re-establish eligibility for a subsequent semester by taking action that brings him or her into compliance with the SAP standards. Suspension from receiving financial aid does not prevent students from enrolling if they are otherwise eligible to continue their enrollment.
Regaining Eligibility
Students who failed to meet the SAP standards and who choose to enroll without benefit of student financial aid may request a review of their academic record after any term in which they are enrolled without the receipt of financial aid. If the standards are met at the time of review, eligibility may be regained for subsequent term of enrollment.
SAP Terminology
Withdrawals (W): Courses that are recorded on the student's permanent academic transcript will be included as credit hours attempted. These will have an adverse effect on the student's ability to meet the requirements of the credit hour progression schedule for financial aid.
Incomplete grades (I): Courses that are assigned an incomplete grade are included in the cumulative credit hours attempted. These cannot be used as credit hours earned in the progress standard until a successful grade is assigned.
Repeated Courses: Retaking courses in which the student either received a passing or failing grade, adversely affects the student's ability to meet the progress requirements. All attempted credit hours are counted in the quantitative standard.
Students are allowed only one time to repeat a course in which they achieved a passing grade. After one allowable time, the student will not earn federal financial assistance for future repeats.
Transfer Credits: Only transfer credit hours officially accepted will be counted in the maximum number of attempted (and completed) credit hours for financial aid eligibility. If the student is required to take additional hours that would exceed the maximum cumulative allowable hours, the student must submit a written appeal to the Office of Financial Aid. If the appeal is approved, the student may continue to receive financial aid.
