Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial Aid

Federal regulations require that Salve Regina measures students' progress towards the completion of their degree program, which is called satisfactory academic progress. You must maintain the qualitative and quantitative standards of satisfactory academic progress in order to receive federal, state and some institutional funding.

Qualitative Standards

Satisfactory academic progress requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate students or 3.0 for graduate students by the end of each academic year (after the spring semester is completed).

Quantitative Standards

Students must successfully earn 67 percent of their cumulative attempted credits. In addition, you will not be eligible to receive federal financial aid once you have attempted more than 150 percent of the normal credits required for your degree. This means full-time students must complete their degree within six years.

  • All transfer, summer and winter credits are calculated toward satisfactory academic progress, whether taken at Salve Regina or any other institution.
  • Grades of "F" or "W" (medical included) are considered attempted but not earned credits.
  • Repeat coursework taken for the purpose of increasing a previously passing grade cannot be considered in qualifying you for financial aid enrollment status or satisfying a determination of non-compliance with satisfactory academic progress requirements.
  • Incomplete courses count toward the calculation of credit hours attempted. Credits will be applied to your completion rate once incomplete courses are completed and a passing grade is received.

Review of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory academic progress is reviewed at the end of each spring semester. If your cumulative GPA falls below the minimum standard and/or you fall behind in earned credits, you will be notified of financial aid suspension. You may appeal the decision by completing the required process below. Once the appeal is received, we will notify you of future eligibility.

The review of satisfactory academic progress is based on your entire academic record, even if you did not receive financial aid during previous semesters of enrollment. This includes all prior coursework (including remedial courses) taken at Salve Regina as a non-matriculated student. These courses are calculated as part of the qualitative and quantitative standards.

Students who are placed on suspension and wish to appeal may provide documentation of coursework that is not applicable to their degree program, applied to a second degree program or is a result of changing their major, and these courses may be excluded from the calculation.

Appeals

Students who do not meet the requirements for satisfactory academic progress may appeal when special circumstances exist. Conditions include death of a relative, injury or illness of the student, pending grade change or other extenuating circumstances.

Appeals must be submitted in writing and must include a personal statement detailing the reasons for falling below the requirement along with supporting documentation. Appeals must be received within two weeks of the date of notification of the suspension. You are also required to meet with academic affairs to develop an academic plan outlining the steps required to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements.

  • If your appeal is approved, you will be placed on probation and will continue to receive financial aid. At the end of the probation period, your academic record will be reviewed to evaluate progress and determine continued eligibility.
  • If your appeal is denied, you will be ineligible for financial aid until minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements are met.
  • Appeals will be approved only one time during your enrollment at Salve Regina. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances.
  • If your appeal is approved and you fail to meet the terms of your academic plan and/or the minimum requirements, you will be ineligible for financial aid until satisfactory academic progress is met.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

You may regain financial aid eligibility by successfully meeting Salve Regina's satisfactory academic progress requirements or successfully meeting the requirements of an established academic plan.