SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Effective July 1, 2011

Federal regulations require schools to monitor student academic progress for financial aid purposes. Section 132 of the Educational Amendments of 1976 states that a student shall be entitled to receive Federal Student Assistance Benefits only if “that student is maintaining satisfactory progress in the course of study he is pursuing according to the standards of the institution.” Federal regulations require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in three areas. Students must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 at the end of each semester. Students must have a minimum 67% pass rate (PACE), including grades of withdrawal (W), incomplete (I), and course failure (F) at the end of each semester. Finally, students must not exceed the 150% maximum time frame of their published program for financial aid eligibility. It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed of The Academy’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and to monitor his/her own progress.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher to be considered in “good standing”. If a student's CGPA falls below the required minimum it may affect their financial aid eligibility. The grade point average is calculated every semester to determine the CGPA. The calculation of CGPA includes all semesters from the beginning date of student's enrollment at The Academy. This applies whether or not the student received financial aid.

Pass Rate (PACE)

Students must show sufficient progress toward completion of their program in a timely manner to continue financial aid eligibility. Financial Aid recipients must pass a minimum of 67% of the credit hours attempted on their academic transcript. For example, a student who has attempted 33 credit hours over the course of his/her enrollment must pass at least 22 hours to be considered making satisfactory academic progress (33 x 67% = 22.11). A student who fails to meet the minimum pass rate at the end of a semester will be granted a one semester warning period to allow the student the opportunity to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students who achieve the minimum standards by the end of the warning period may have their financial aid reinstated. If the student fails to achieve a 67% pass rate by the end of the semester, their financial aid may be suspended. Only grades of A, B, C, D, or P will be considered passed. Course withdrawals (W), incompletes (I), and course failures (F) will be counted as hours attempted but not completed. The calculation of PACE includes all semesters from the beginning date of student enrollment at The Academy. Repeated courses will be counted in the total attempted hours. This applies whether or not the student received financial aid.

Maximum Time Frame

Financial Aid recipients will have a maximum time frame in which they are to complete their program requirements. Federal regulations state that the maximum time cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the educational program. This time frame is measured in credit hours. Example: The Academy’s Full-Time Conservatory Program Requirements = 68 credit hours; 68 x 150% = 102. The student may be eligible to receive financial aid until he/she has attempted 102 credit hours. If a degree has not been earned in this time frame, financial aid may be suspended resulting in the student completing the degree at his/her own expense. Course withdrawals, incompletes, course failures, repeated courses and credits transferred from another institution will be counted in the attempted hours regardless of whether the student received financial aid.

Financial Aid Warning and Probation

A student who fails to meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) due to their CGPA and/or PACE requirements at the end of a semester, they will be placed on Financial Aid Warning during the following semester and remain eligible for financial aid. Students who achieve the minimum standards by the end of the warning period will be considered in good standing. If the student fails to bring the CGPA up to the minimum standards by the end of the warning period, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation and remain eligible for financial aid. If the student fails to bring the CGPA up to the minimum standards by the end of the probation period, the student will become ineligible for financial aid. Students have the right to appeal (see Appeal Procedure below). Transfer Students: Students who transfer to The Academy from another institution will be considered in good standing at the time of enrollment. However, all credits transferred from another school will be counted as credits attempted and earned and will be applied toward the maximum time frame.

Appeal Procedure

All applicants and financial aid recipients should be aware of their right to appeal their case if they feel that aid has been unjustly refused or suspended or that special circumstances warrant further consideration of their case. A student who has become ineligible for financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress has the opportunity to appeal if mitigating circumstances exist. Examples of mitigating circumstances may include, but are not limited to, an extended illness or accident of the student; an extended illness or death of an immediate family member; and undue hardship or extensive personal problems that were beyond the student’s control. The procedure for submitting an appeal is as follows:

  1. The student must submit a letter explaining in detail why he/she is requesting the appeal (i.e. What circumstances occurred to prevent the successful completion of previous semesters at The Academy). This request must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid and must be accompanied by supporting documentation. An incomplete application WILL NOT be considered.
  2. The student will be notified by mail of the decision regarding the approval or denial of the appeal.
  3. The student is responsible for all semester tuition expenses while the Satisfactory Academic Appeal Request is being reviewed. If you do not understand any of the above policies and/or procedures, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification from the financial aid director.