Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress

Undergraduate Standards

At the end of the spring semester each year or upon your re-enrollment at the University, your academic performance is reviewed to determine if you are making satisfactory academic progress (SAP). The review is based on qualitative (grade point average) and quantitative measures (credits or credit equivalencies completed vs. attempted); it is also cumulative for all academic work attempted at UMass Boston.

Your minimum required grade point average increases as your number of credits accumulated increases:

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Sum of UMB and Transfer	Minimum Required Credits Cumulative Average
1-15	1.50
16-30	1.65
31-45	1.75
46-59	1.90
60 and above	2.00

• Students who fail to meet the minimum qualitative (GPA) standards will be notified by their College or Program and will be given further instructions.
• You must complete, with passing grades, at least two-thirds (67%) of the total number of credits and/or credit equivalencies you attempt (including those you attempt during summer and winter sessions, non-degree semesters and transfer credits).
• Once each academic year, at the end of the Spring Semester or upon your re-enrollment at the University, a Financial Aid Advisory Committee will review your record to determine whether you are making satisfactory academic progress.
• If you fail to meet any of the quantitative and qualitative standards of satisfactory academic progress specified, you will be notified by Financial Aid Services that you are no longer eligible for assistance.  If you have extenuating circumstances you may appeal this decision to the Financial Aid Advisory Committee.  Note: This appeal is not the same as an Academic Appeal for readmission to the University if you were academically withdrawn.
• The committee will review each appeal and may grant waivers to the policy under the following documented conditions:
  • death of a relative
  • illness of the student
  • illness of a close relative of the student
  • other special circumstance
  Submit within thirty (30) days of your financial aid denial a written letter describing the extenuating circumstances that caused you not to be in compliance.  Supporting documentation must also be submitted.  Only one appeal per academic year will be allowed.  The decision of the committee is final.  If your appeal is successful but you have missed the designated deadline date for financial aid applications you may still be eligible for Stafford Loans, Pell Grant and/or Massachusetts State Grant if you meet the eligibility requirements for these programs.  Campus-based funds will be considered depending on the availability of funds.
• You automatically become ineligible for any federal or state financial aid after attempting 180 credits (or credit equivalencies, for CPCS), including transfer credits, even if you have never received financial aid.