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Financial Aid - Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
“Students receiving Title IV financial aid are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress”
The Compilation of Student Financial Aid Regulations
34 CFR, through 12/31/95 as published by the U.S. Department of Education, section 668.34
The policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress is effective as of July 1, 2011 and supersedes any previous policy. Federal regulations require Blue Ridge CTC to establish Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for all students in eligible degree or certificate programs who wish to receive financial aid. Any student receiving Title IV Financial Aid is required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress according to The Compilation of Financial Aid Regulations (34 CFR, through 12/31/95 as published by the Department of Education, section 668.34). Every student is required to complete a certain number of hours attempted to show that he/she is progressing towards a degree in his/her program of study. Each student must also maintain a grade point average consistent with the regulations governing Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Blue Ridge CTC requires Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to receive the following:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational
- Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Federal Work-Study/Student Employment
- Federal Direct Stafford Loan
- Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
- State Grant Programs – WV & PA
- Alternative Loans
Students must satisfy both grade point average and attempted hours standards for progress toward a degree.
Standards Measured by Grade Point Average (GPA)
- All Associate Degree and eligible certificate program students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA). This includes transfers and re-admitted students.
- Any student admitted or readmitted on academic probation who does not meet grade point average standards may appeal to the Financial Aid Scholarship and Appeals Committee at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Please refer to www.blueridgectc.edu/financial_aid for more information.
Standards Measured by Hours Attempted
As a student progresses through his/her program, he/she must pass at least 70% of credit hours attempted, including transfer and pass/fail hours and the following:
F Failure
I Incomplete
IF Incomplete/Failure
W Withdrawals
R Repeat
The above types of attempted hours are combined with all passing grades in determining progress. Transfer credits accepted by Blue Ridge CTC will be added to institutional hours to determine total hours attempted.
Example 1 Example 2 Attempt 20 Attempt 25 Pass 15 Pass 15 15 / 20 = 75% 15/25=60% Student is passing Student is failing Hours Attempted Standard |
Standards Measured by Maximum Hours
Any student in a program leading to an Associates Degree must complete their degree or certificate program in 96 credit hours or 150% of usual hours required by the program. Students who will be at maximum hours within 24 credits are also checked at the end of each semester for continued eligibility.
Students working on a second degree or certificate will receive financial aid ONLY for the coursework needed to complete the degree, even though they have passed less than 96 hours.
General Information and Requirements
Satisfactory Academic Progress will be evaluated at the end of each semester, including summer term(s). Students must meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. The GPA and percentage standards will be checked at the end of each semester and become effective immediately. Students not in compliance with grade point average and/or percentage standards for the first time will automatically be given a warning period of one semester, during which they will have eligibility for financial aid. Those who are given a warning period will be notified in writing. Each student is offered only one warning period.
Students failing academic progress after the warning period are suspended from financial aid eligibility and will be notified in writing. Students may appeal suspension of financial aid based on special circumstances which include, but are not limited to, death of a close relative or injury or illness of the student. The student must provide documentation of the appeal circumstances. All appeals are considered on a case by case basis and a letter of appeal must be submitted, with documentation, to the Financial Aid Office at least one week prior to the appeal date listed in the suspension letter. Students are only permitted one appeal. A student can only regain eligibility by meeting the institutions current Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
