Federal regulations require that the Montana State University establish a policy to monitor the academic progress of students who apply for and/or receive federal, state and institutional aid. Students must be making satisfactory academic progress toward their academic degree program in order to maintain their eligibility for financial aid.

To qualify for, receive or maintain financial aid, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in a program of study that will lead to a degree or teaching certificate and must be in good academic standing at the University. Whether or not a student is receiving Title IV aid, a student’s academic progress will be evaluated each academic semester. Having a violation(s) will result in a loss of financial aid eligibility.

All students are reviewed and notified by email of a violation after each semester.  To find out if you have or will have a violation go to your My Info account. Previous acceptance of financial aid required a review of eligibility standards, it is your responsibility as a student to be current with these requirements and aware of your status with or without the notification. 

Regaining Eligibility:

If extenuating circumstances exist, such as death of a relative, student illness or injury, or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control, an appeal may be submitted. Students who are on a Maximum Timeframe Violation (who do not have any other extenuating circumstances that occurred beyond their control), who have changed from one degree program to another and not graduated may request their program change be considered as their extenuating circumstance on a one-time basis. If an appeal is not appropriate avenue, consider:  

  • Enroll at MSU without financial aid until minimum standards have been regained. Please inform the financial office when this has been accomplished for review, determination, and continuation of aid. 
  • For students on MSU Scholastic Suspension, the  University Scholastic Appeals Board must grant reinstatement to students before the Office of Financial Aid Services will consider an appeal for aid reinstatement; or
  • If an  error in institutional records has occurred, please contact Office of Financial Aid Services for a review of your records.. 

 

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
Scholastic    

Students on scholastic suspension are not eligible for financial aid.
GPA

Students must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) minimum  of 2.0 upon reaching 60 passed credits.
Percentage

Students must pass 67% of the cumulative credits attempted. This includes accepted transfer credits. Passing credit is received once for repeated coursework. Aid can be received for one repeat of a previously passed course.

Failure to meet the percentage standard for the first time will result in a warning. Students must meet all standards at the end of the warning period.
Maximum Credit Hour Students are considered for financial aid up to a specified number of cumulative attempted credits including transfer credits. This is measured at 150% of your student level. For example, an undergraduate student has 180 maximum credits to complete a 120-credit hour program.