Satisfactory Academic Progress
In order to be eligible for financial aid consideration, a student must be making satisfactory academic progress according to the standard requirements shown in the table below. Set by the U.S. Department of Education in Section 668.16 of the Student Assistance General Provisions, these requirements apply to all sources and all types of aid administered by the Financial Aid Office, including student loans. These requirements also apply to all periods of enrollment including those for which the student did not receive financial aid. These requirements differ from BCC’s academic standards for eligibility to enroll in classes.
| Attempted # of Credits |
Minimum % of Credits Student Must Complete |
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average |
| 1–29 |
50.0% |
1.500 |
| 30–44 |
58.5% |
1.750 |
| 45 or more |
67.0% |
2.000 |
Grades such as F, IN, RE and W count toward attempted credits. A repeated course counts as another attempt, but only one of the attempts will be considered earned. Transfer credits from another college count toward both completed and attempted credits. To calculate your completion rate, divide the number of credits you have completed to date by the total number of credits you have attempted to date.
Maximum Allowable Credits
A student can receive financial aid for up to 150 percent of the published credits required for graduation from his/her pro- gram (excluding a maximum of 30 credits of any developmental coursework required). This limit applies to all credits attempted, including any program changes. Consideration will be given to dual majors and students seeking a second degree or certificate.
For example, if a program requires 60 credits to graduate, a student can receive financial aid for up to 90 credits in that program.
Review Process
Timing/scope of review
BCC will evaluate a student’s academic progress each year for which the student receives financial aid. By regulation, BCC reviews the student’s entire academic history, not only those terms for which he/she received aid and not only the most recent term. (See definition of term below.)
A term is defined as any period of enrollment to include Fall and Spring semesters, January intersession and Summer sessions.
Suspension
A student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress will be suspended from financial aid and can expect to receive a Financial Aid Suspension Letter and Appeal Form. A suspended student is not required to pay back grants or waivers already received, nor is he/she prevented from applying for financial aid at another college. However, the student is no longer eligible to receive future financial aid at BCC.
Suspension appeals
Grounds for Appealing
A student who meets with the Student Standing Committee and is allowed to re-enroll at BCC must still separately appeal a financial aid suspension or be prepared to pay college charges out-of-pocket. The student may appeal a financial aid suspension based on admissible conditions listed on the Financial Aid Suspension Appeal Form. Note that BCC will not consider appeals on the basis of pre-existing conditions or circumstances already cited on a previous appeal.
Students may submit no more than two financial aid suspension appeals at BCC. However, if a student’s appeal is denied, he/she may re-appeal if and when circumstances change.
Appeal Review
A suspended student should complete and submit the Financial Aid Suspension Appeal Form with supporting documents to the Financial Aid Office by the deadlines on the form. The Director of Financial Aid and the Financial Aid Appeals Review Committee will review the appeal and inform the student of their decision by mail.
Reinstatement/Probation
A student whose appeal is approved receives a Reinstatement of Financial Aid letter and is placed on probation. The student will be required to limit his/her credit load to half-time status (6 to 8 credits per term) to ensure successful completion of all attempted credits, and to bring the academic record into compliance with required standards as soon as possible. At BCC, a student can remain on probation and remain eligible for financial aid for as many terms as needed to rehabilitate their academic record, providing the student makes satisfactory progress in all terms following the reinstatement of financial aid.
Regaining Eligibility
A student who is suspended can regain eligibility for financial aid consideration by successfully completing additional credits at his/her own expense or with the help of another agency, pro- vided the student is still within the maximum allowable credits. The student should notify the Financial Aid Office once he/she has rehabilitated their academic record to comply with satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid.
For more information about the satisfactory academic progress/suspension policy for financial aid recipients, contact the Financial Aid Office (F-122) at 413-236-1641.