Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students who receive financial aid must not only demonstrate financial need, but must also make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as determined by Howard Community College in accordance with federal regulations. Financial aid recipients are required to be in good academic standing and to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree/certificate requirements for each semester in which they are enrolled. Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated at the end of every semester: fall, winter/spring, and summer. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester will result in the cancellation of all financial aid awards. Federal regulations require HCC to evaluate all students for satisfactory academic progress each semester regardless of whether or not they receive financial aid. Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated based on the student's cumulative academic record, from the date of entry to the college. The financial aid SAP standard described below includes both a qualitative and a quantitative measure, making it much more stringent than HCC's academic standards policy. As a result, it is possible for a financial aid recipient to be in violation of the financial aid SAP standard and remain in good academic standing with the college. Please refer to HCC's Catalogue for information on the college's academic standing policy. |