Federal regulations require students maintain satisfactory academic progress in their field of study to be eligible for Title IV federal student financial aid. At UNH*, that progress is defined by the Academic Standards and Advising Committee as retention in a degree program and, by the end of the second semester each year, earning the number of required credits per semesters enrolled:
*UNH CPS Online students, view your Satisfactory Academic Progress policy here.
| # Semesters Enrolled | # Credits Required |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8 |
| 2 | 16 |
| 3 | 24 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 43 |
| 6 | 54 |
| 7 | 65 |
| 8 | 76 |
| 9 or more | # of credits increases by 13 for each additional semester |
Both the number of semesters enrolled and the number of credits required are based on enrollment and credits at current degree level and include UNH courses and transfer credits.
Enrollment at R+30 results in that semester being counted in the “Number of Semesters Enrolled.”
Enrollment on a less than full-time basis will result in the required number of credits being adjusted proportionally as follows:
Enrollment status at R+30 will be used.
6-8 credits are considered half-time.
Maximum eligibility is:
Associate degree program - 6 semesters
Bachelor’s degree Program - 12 semesters
Dual degree program - 15 semesters
Graduate degrees – time limit for each degree program (as determined by the Graduate School) in effect for the year being evaluated.
A student not meeting the satisfactory progress requirements will not be eligible for financial aid and will be notified via their UNH email. If eligibility is terminated a student may request financial aid probation with a written appeal to the director of financial aid. Probation status allows the student to receive financial aid for one additional payment period (semester). After that time the student’s progress will be reviewed. Circumstances under which a student would be permitted to submit an appeal include death of a relative, injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances.
As part of an appeal a student must submit information regarding why the student failed to make SAP, and what has changed that would allow them to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation. An appeal may be approved if the student will be able to meet SAP standards after the subsequent payment period or the student develops an academic plan that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet SAP standards by a specific point in time.
A student will be notified of the outcome of the appeal at their UNH email address.
