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Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Student Financial Assistance Eligibility
The Federal Assistance Programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended require the establishment of minimum standards of academic progress that students must meet to maintain eligibility for financial aid.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility applies to all aid programs administered by or through the Office of Student Financial Assistance. These standards apply to all students seeking or receiving assistance regardless of prior aid receipt history. Academic progress is reviewed at least once per academic year. All students must be matriculated ( admitted to and eligible to enroll in an approved degree/certificate pursuing program).
Termination of Aid
Students who do not meet the minimum grade point average requirements as set forth in The College of New Jersey Undergraduate Bulletin or The College of New Jersey Graduate Bulletin will be placed on financial aid probation concurrent with the academic probation period. Failure to restore the required grade point average within the allotted time frame will result in termination of financial assistance eligibility. Assistance for subsequent enrollment periods will be terminated immediately for any student placed on academic suspension or dismissed (as defined in The College of New Jersey Undergraduate Bulletin or The College of New Jersey Graduate Bulletin) at the end of any semester/term. This policy does not supersede higher GPA requirements which may apply to individual assistance programs (such as merit scholarships).
Transfer Students
Transfer student classification and eligibility for financial assistance is subject to final review of accepted transfer credit hours. The student's classification upon evaluation of transfer credit will be used to determine minimum grade point average requirements for continued satisfactory academic progress.
Time Limits
Undergraduate
Students in a four year program of study who have attempted 180 credit hours (including transfer credit) may cease to be eligible to receive financial assistance.
Graduate
From the date of first enrollment in specific degree program, students seeking a master's degree must complete all degree requirements (including thesis) within six academic years.
Reinstatement of Aid
Students who have been suspended/dismissed from The College must present documentation of approved authorization to re-enroll when petitioning reinstatement of financial assistance. Students who have not received authorization to re-enroll remain ineligible to receive assistance or deferment of payment. They should be prepared with other resources to pay all educational expenses. Students whose appeals are approved may have their aid reinstated pending availability of funds.
All provisions of The College of New Jersey Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Eligibility may be appealed by written petition to the Director of Financial Assistance or designee.
