All students receiving federal and state student financial aid must adhere to the University's policy on satisfactory progress. The intent of this policy is to ensure that students who are receiving federal financial aid for their education are making measurable progress toward completion of a degree in a reasonable period of time.

The University Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee has approved the following standards defining satisfactory progress for students receiving federal financial aid at the University of South Carolina - Columbia.

Undergraduate students are considered to be making satisfactory progress if they:

1. Are admitted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student.

2. Meet the University standards for continued enrollment as specified in the University of South Carolina Undergraduate Studies Bulletin.

3. Complete requirements for a degree within a reasonable length of time as specified below:

(a) The total number of semesters of full time enrollment at any post-secondary institution does not exceed twelve semesters for a four-year degree. (b) The total number of semesters of part time enrollment at any post-secondary institution does not exceed the equivalent of twelve full time semesters for a four-year degree.   (Full time is defined as twelve or more semester hours attempted in one term and part time is defined as less than twelve semester hours attempted.)

4. Earn no fewer than 24 semester hours of credit per academic year if enrolled as a full time student. Part time students must earn all hours for which they are enrolled. Additionally, part time students will be assessed one full time equivalent semester for earning twelve hours attempted. The academic year for Satisfactory Academic Progress is comprised of the fall, spring, and summer terms.

5. Maintain a cumulative University of South Carolina Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 after attempting 60 hours of either the University of South Carolina or other school (transfer) coursework.

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Graduate students are considered to be making satisfactory progress if they:

1. Are admitted and enrolled as an advance degree-seeking student.

2. Meet the University standards for continued enrollment as specified in the University of South Carolina Graduate Studies Bulletin.

3. Earn no fewer than twelve semester hours of graduate credit per academic year if enrolled as a full time student; or, no fewer than six semester hours of graduate credit per academic year if enrolled as a part time student.

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Under these standards, students will be ineligible to receive federal financial aid funds if any of the following occurs:

1. The total number of semesters of enrollment as a full time student exceeds twelve full time semesters for a four-year degree or, the total number of semesters of enrollment as a part time student exceeds the equivalent of twelve full time semesters for a four-year degree. These limits include all work done at any post-secondary institution, whether or not financial aid was received. Full time is defined as twelve or more semester hours attempted in one term and part time is defined as less than twelve semester hours attempted.

2. The total number of earned hours falls below the prescribed number based upon enrollment in undergraduate or graduate study.

4. The cumulative the University of South Carolina Grade Point Average (GPA) falls below 2.00 after attempting 60 credit hours of either University of South Carolina,and/ or transfer credit work.

3. The yearly cumulative Grade Point Deficit (GPD) is 24 or greater and results in the student's ineligibility for continued enrollment. (See University of South Carolina Undergraduate Studies Bulletin for explanation of Grade Point Deficit system.)

If you accumulate a yearly or cumulative Grade Point Deficit which subjects you to suspension; have been enrolled for more than the equivalent of twelve full time semesters for a four-year degree program; do not maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 after attempting 60 credit hours; or, do not earn the minimum number of semester hours required, you will become ineligible to receive federal financial aid funds except as indicated below. This determination applies without regard to any financial aid award letter that may have been sent or received prior to the time the determination is made.

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If you fail to meet the minimum credit hour requirement, you will be granted a one time only Satisfactory Academic Progress probationary year.  Deficit hours will be cleared for this one time only.  If eligible you may continue to receive financial aid.  At the time of review if you fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards you will be ineligible to receive financial aid.  If you are not in compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress you have the right to file an appeal with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

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If you are ruled ineligible for federal aid, you may appeal this determination under specifically prescribed conditions. Deadlines for receipt of appeals are 20 calendar days prior to the end of the semester for which aid is requested. Information concerning the appeals process is available in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and on our website.

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The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy standards will not automatically apply to any hours forgiven under the University of South Carolina Academic Forgiveness Program.  However, if you have been granted academic forgiveness under this policy you must contact our office for further assessment.

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The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for medical students is available from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

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