Federal regulations require that Youngstown State
University review the academic progress of students annually
who apply for and/or receive federal financial aid, whether
they are a previous aid recipient or not. The purpose
of this review process is to measure whether a student is
making satisfactory progress towards his or her educational
goals. All federal programs are affected when a
student is not in compliance with the Satisfactory Academic
Progress Policy. (State grant programs such as the Ohio
Instructional Grant (OIG) and the Pennsylvania Higher
Education Assistance Grant (PHEAA) are not governed by the
federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy but rather by
the respective state.)
|
Youngstown State University's satisfactory academic progress
requirements consist of three components:
- Minimum grade point average
- Maximum time frame to earn the degree sought
- Percentage completion rates
|
1. Grade Point Average: |
|
All undergraduate students at Youngstown State
University must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA if over
49 credit hours, a minimum cumulative 1.75 GPA if 32 to 49
credit hours; graduate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA.
The following grades will count toward the calculation: A, B, C,
D, and F.
Students
academically suspended cannot receive federal financial aid
during the period of suspension.
|
|
2. Percentage Completion: |
|
At the time of the annual assessment, completed hours as a
percentage of attempted hours, must meet the
following minimum requirements:
-
Freshmen (0-31 hours earned) must complete a minimum of 65% of the total hours attempted each year
-
Sophomores (32-62 hours earned) must complete a minimum of 70% of the total hours attempted each year
-
Juniors (63-93 hours earned) must complete a minimum of 75% of the total hours attempted each year
-
Seniors (94+ hours earned) must complete a minimum of 80% of the total hours attempted each year
Percentage completion is calculated by dividing completed hours by attempted hours.
Rank is also calculated based on attempted hours.
For federal financial aid satisfactory academic progress
purposes, attempted hours exclude audited hours and withdrawals
made by the last date to add a class. Completed hours
exclude the following grades: F-failed; NC-no credit; AU-audit;
I-incomplete; W-withdrawal. For Incompletes, note that the
credit hours apply to the term in which the student was enrolled
in the course, not the term the student was making up the
Incomplete.
|
|
3. Time Frame: |
|
When a student's attempted hours, as defined above, reach 150%
of the maximum hours needed to obtain an associate or bachelor's
degree, federal financial aid eligibility will be suspended as
part of the next annual assessment of satisfactory academic
progress.
|
Non-degree students (Undergraduate, post undergraduate, and
graduate) must be enrolled in a degree program to receive
federal financial aid. If a student is cited for
satisfactory academic progress due to their status as a
non-degree student, they must complete an appeal and contact
their college to complete an Academic Advisor Evaluation.
The Appeal Process
If a student is
non-compliant, he/she must appeal the denial of financial aid by
submitting an
appeal form
that explains the circumstances. Supporting documentation
may be required. Appeals will be evaluated by the
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Committee, which will
respond in writing with the decision within 30 days.
Satisfactory Academic Appeal Form - pdf*
Academic Advisor Letter
- pdf*
*Requires
Adobe Acrobat
The decision made
by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Committee is final.
Students who consistently abuse the Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy will be denied federal financial aid.
Students who do
not appeal, or who are denied by the Committee, will not be
eligible for federal financial aid programs for the award year,
until their academic record is once again in compliance with the
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. To attain compliance,
students must attend school without federal financial assistance
while clearing their satisfactory academic progress. When
reinstatement is granted, a student may be considered for those
financial aid funds available at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
|
Q |
How can I regain eligibility for federal financial aid programs? |
|
A |
You must meet the minimum grade point average and percentage completion requirements or go through the appeals process. |
|
Q |
Will program time length be extended if I have changed my major? |
|
A |
The program time limit can be extended only with an appeal and an academic advisor’s letter. |
|
Q |
What if I have transfer credits from another institution? |
|
A |
Credits transferable from other institutions will be included
in any recalculations for percentage completion purposes, but only
YSU grades enter into the grade point average calculation. |
|
Q |
Where do I submit my satisfactory academic progress appeal? |
|
A |
Appeals must be made to the Office of Financial Aid and
Scholarships, and supporting documentation may be
required. |
|
Q |
Am I eligible for all federal aid funds when my appeal is
granted? |
|
A |
When reinstatement is granted, a student may only be considered
for those financial aid funds available at that time provided the
student meets the financial need requirements. |
|
Q |
What happens if my appeal is denied? |
|
A |
Students must attend school without federal financial
assistance while clearing their satisfactory academic
progress. |
|
Q |
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the SAP appeal process or SAP policy? |
|
A |
Contact Susan Sahlii at (330) 941-2374 or
sesahlii@ysu.edu for additional information and deadlines. |
Applying for Aid |
Financial Aid Home |
YSU Home
|
