Financial Aid Policies for Undergraduates

Overview

This document outlines Alfred University's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards that students must meet to remain eligible for federal, State, and University financial aid payments.

Qualitative Standards (Cumulative GPA)

• Semester 1: 0
• Semester 2: 1
• Semester 3: 1.5
• Semester 4: 1.75
• Semester 5 or more: 2.0

Quantitative Standards

• Maximum time frame: 150% of published program length (e.g., 186 credit hours for a 124-credit program)
• Minimum completion ratio: 67% of all attempted credit hours must be successfully completed

Credit Hour Definitions

• Attempted credit hours: All courses except those with grade designations CH, AU, or EX; transfer credits count as attempted
• Earned credit hours: Courses with grades A through D or P; transfer credits count as earned
• Classes carrying 0 credit hours are not counted as attempted or earned

Evaluation

Students are reviewed annually at the end of each semester after final grades are posted, regardless of enrollment status or number of semesters attended during the academic year.

Appeal Process

Students ineligible for aid may appeal within 15 days of the notice letter. Appeals must be written, authored by the student, submitted to the director of financial aid, and demonstrate extenuating circumstances. All appeals must include an academic plan approved by the student's dean that shows specific actions and performance criteria to meet SAP within one or two semesters.