Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, mandates that institutions of higher education establish a standard of satisfactory academic progress for students who receive financial aid. This standard will apply to the student’s entire college academic history at NACC and/or other colleges, whether Title IV financial aid was received or not. In order to remain eligible to receive aid at Northeast Alabama Community College, students must meet the standards specified for acceptable academic performance and for satisfactory progress toward completion of their program of study.
Incremental Progress. To receive financial aid at Northeast Alabama Community College, a student must achieve the completion rate below:
Quantitative Pace of Progression (PACE) – Completion rate (attempted class hours)
- If the student attempted 0-21 hours, 58% completion rate.
- If the student attempted 22-32 hours, 62% completion rate.
- If the student attempted 33 or more hours, 67% completion rate.
Academic Progress. To receive financial aid at Northeast Alabama Community College, a student must maintain the following Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.
GPA requirements:
- If the student attempted 0-21 hours, 1.5 GPA required.
- If the student attempted 22-32 hours, 1.75 GPA required.
- If the student attempted 33 or more hours, 2.0 GPA required.
Maximum Time Frame. Students may receive consideration for financial aid during the first 96 hours of coursework attempted at NACC for a two-year program; eligibility is limited to 45 hours of attempted coursework for a one-year certificate program. This applies regardless of whether or not the student received financial aid for coursework. Students may receive funding for up to 30 hours of required remedial coursework.
Review Procedures
Satisfactory progress is measured at the end of each semester. The Student Financial Aid Office will determine each semester whether the student has successfully completed the minimum expected number of hours with the required grade point average and shows progress toward the educational objectives for all completed semesters.
A grade of “W” will be treated as attempted coursework and will be computed in the quantitative measure of satisfactory academic progress.
Grades of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” and “I” will be treated as completed grades and will be taken into consideration when calculating the number of hours completed and the GPA.
Course Repeats
Courses for which an “A,” “B,” “C,” or “D” was received may be repeated a maximum of one time. Such courses are counted as enrollments toward the hours attempted for calculation of required grade point average and the maximum time the student is eligible to receive aid.
Financial Aid Warning/Probation/Suspension/Termination
Following the first semester in which the standards of academic progress are not met, the student will be placed on warning for the next semester. The student who fails to meet the standards of academic progress during the semester of attendance while on warning will be placed on suspension for financial aid purposes and denied further funding. Students who are suspended from aid may become eligible again, by bringing themselves into compliance with the requirements at their own expense. Students who have attempted 96/45 hours (see maximum time frame) are automatically ineligible for financial aid and are placed on financial aid termination.
Appeal
A student whose financial aid has been suspended or terminated may submit an appeal to the Director of Financial Aid for consideration of mitigating circumstances. Appeal forms are available in the Student Financial Aid Office. The appeal must be in writing and supporting documentation regarding special circumstances must be provided. Appeals are considered for extenuating circumstances such as serious personal injury, illness, death in the immediate family or undue hardship. Students who have their appeals approved will continue on financial aid probation with academic plan provided the student meets the terms and conditions set forth in the appeal approval letter (Board Policy 714.01, August 9. 2017).