Learn What It Means For ACC Students

By Terry Bazan
Director of Student Assistance

Students are hearing about new, more stringent federal standards on Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) that take effect in fall 2011.

The new regulations require that students meet the following:

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all hours attempted at ACC.

Completion Rate Requirement*

Students must complete 67 percent of all hours attempted at ACC. For example, if a student registers for three classes (totaling 9 credit hours) and elect to drop one class (3 credit hours), his/her completion rate is only 66.6 percent and they will not qualify for financial aid.

Maximum Time Frame

Students must complete their program of study within a maximum time frame of 150 percent of the published length of the academic program or certificate. This includes all transfer credit hours. Limited developmental coursework will not be counted in the maximum time frame). For example, the Associate of Science Degree in Physics takes 64 credit hours x 150 percent = 96 hours. Therefore, 96 credit hours is the maximum that can be attempted and covered by financial aid.

Consequences of Not Meeting Financial Aid SAP Standards

1. Financial Aid Warning – The first time a student fails to meet the cumulative 2.0 GPA or 67 percent completion rate, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning status. The student will remain eligible for financial aid for one semester during the warning period.
2. Financial Aid Suspension – If, after being placed on Financial Aid Warning status, a student fails to meet the cumulative 2.0 GPA or 67 percent completion rate, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will immediately lose financial aid eligibility.
3. Maximum Time Frame Suspension – If a student fails to meet the maximum time frame requirement, the student will be placed on Maximum Time Frame Suspension and will immediately lose financial aid eligibility.

Failure to meet one or more of the SAP standards will make you ineligible for financial aid. Students who have their financial aid revoked for this reason will remain ineligible until they are able to meet the standards. You would be responsible for payment of your tuition and fees.

*Not meeting completion rate standards is the #1 reason ACC students may face Financial Aid Warning or Financial Aid Suspension. Students should review class choices with their advisor or counselor. Dropping or withdrawing from classes will affect their completion rate and may impact their financial aid eligibility.