Federal Integrity Rules

Many students apply for, and depend on, financial aid to complete their program of study. Federal financial aid for students is intended to be used for educational expenses. The federal government has passed new regulations regarding financial aid that may impact eligibility and award. Students are advised of these changes to improve communication and alert them that the world of financial aid is changing. Regulations include (but are not limited to):

• Return of Federal (or Title IV) Funds and Attendance
  Students must earn their grants by sufficient attendance and progress in classes. If a student does not attend or is a "no show," the student is responsible for paying back the grant funds.
• Retaking Coursework
  Students who pass a course, which is required (or allowed) in their declared program of study on file with the College - known as a student’s major or program/plan - and elect to retake the course can receive Title IV (aka “federal”) assistance for retaking that course a maximum of one time. In the eyes of the federal student aid program, a grade of “D” is passing. Note: Some courses have prerequisites of a minimum grade of “C” earned in the prerequisite course.
• Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid
  Federal financial aid is intended to help students attend college with the goal of completing a credential. Recipients are expected to attend classes, make progress toward their credential and do so in a fairly efficient manner. Ongoing eligibility for federal financial aid requires that students demonstrate satisfactory progress toward completion of the declared program of study. Ongoing eligibility requires the following:
  
  
  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
  • Successfully complete at least 67 percent of the coursework attempted. (Students who fail or withdraw from an excessive number classes fail to meet this criterion.)
  • Complete the declared program of study within 150 percent of the published program length. 

For more information, review the Standards of Academic Progress for Financial Aid.

• Financial Aid eligible courses
  Only courses that are required or allowed as electives toward completion of a students declared program of study are financial aid eligible.  This does NOT include excess courses students need to take to meet institutional residency requirements.  

Advice for Students

• Consult an educational advisor to get an educational plan in your first semester, and follow it. 
• Attend classes and keep up with your coursework. 
• Don't bite off more than you can chew. 
• Take advantage of tutoring, academic advising and other services to support your success. 

The U.S. Department of Education developed new regulations, effective July 1, 2011, in response to the rapid growth of enrollment, debt load and student default rates of postsecondary institutions. The regulations are intended to strengthen the integrity of the federal student aid program and to ensure that taxpayer funds are used appropriately. The College is required to abide by these Federal Integrity Rules.