Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements For Financial Aid Recipients (Undergraduate and Graduate)

7/1/2024 – Effective immediately and replaces all other satisfactory academic progress policies for financial aid recipients printed in any institutional publication or document.

Federal and state regulations require that the College of Nursing establish and implement a policy to measure satisfactory academic progress toward the baccalaureate and the master of science degree in nursing. Standards of satisfactory academic progress are applied to all students who wish to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.

The progress of financial aid recipients is evaluated each semester (including summer) based on qualitative measurement, pace of progression measurement and maximum time frame. Students must be making academic progress regardless of whether the student has previously received aid. Students who have completed their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and enroll in the graduate program will not have their undergraduate coursework count towards hours attempted/ completed. Before aid is disbursed, a student's progress will be evaluated according to policy guidelines.

  • GPA Measurement (Qualitative)

    • An undergraduate student must maintain a credit and cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • A graduate student must maintain a credit and cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • If a student repeats a course, only the higher grade and credit are computed into the grade-point average although both grades will appear on transcript (please refer to the catalog for any questions regarding academic policies). Please note that grades can be excluded for prior attempts when calculating a student’s GPA, but these prior attempts will be included when measuring the quantitative component or cumulative credit hours required.

  • Pace of Progression/Completion Ration (Quantitative)

  • To retain your eligibility for financial aid, you must complete a minimum of 67% (two thirds) of cumulative credit hours attempted (rounded up to the nearest whole credit hour). this completion rate enables you to graduate within the maximum time frame

    If a grade change report is received from the Manager, Admissions/Registrar/Marketing, Satisfactory Academic Progress will be re-evaluated to determine eligibility to receive further financial assistance. Student will be notified in writing of any changes in their financial aid eligibility.

  • Maximum Time Frame

  • The maximum time frame may not exceed 150% of the published length of the program measured in credit hours attempted. Each semester, the student must successfully complete two thirds (or more) of cumulative credit hours attempted (rounded up to the nearest whole credit hour).

    Degree and certificate programs vary in credit graduation requirements. Review the college catalog on our website to discover how many credits your program requires.

    All credits attempted are counted, including those transferred in (not pre-nursing) from another institution and those in which you did not earn a grade or credit. Grades of C (graduate program only), D, F, W, WF, WP or I are not counted as successful completion of credit hours.

  • Financial Aid Warning

  • Warning occurs when requirements have not been met in either area (qualitative and quantitative). Student can receive financial aid during this warning status, but must “make satisfactory progress” when measured against all areas at the end of the next period of enrollment.

  • Financial Aid Academic Progress Suspension

  • Suspension occurs when requirements have not been met after a semester of warning. Students on suspension are not eligible for federal or state assistance (See Types of Financial Aid). Students on financial aid suspension have the right to appeal (See Financial Aid Progress Appeal Process).

  • Financial Aid Probation

  • Probation occurs when a student who is on financial aid suspension appeals the suspension and has eligibility for aid reinstated based on the appeal. Students on probation will be required to meet specific terms and conditions during the payment period for which probation is approved. At the end of each semester the student must meet the required Satisfactory Academic Progress standards or the specific terms and conditions for the semester or no further aid will be disbursed.

  • Notification of Financial Aid Warning/Suspension/Probation

  • The College of Nursing Student Finance Office will notify, in writing, students through the US Postal Service (using the address in Admissions). Students applying for financial assistance will be notified prior to disbursement of aid.

  • Financial Aid Academic Progress Appeal Process

  • Students on Financial Aid Academic Progress Suspension must appeal in writing for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility to the Coordinator of Student Finance, Financial Assistance, Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. The appeal letter should address specific reasons for requesting the appeal.

    Mitigating circumstances include:

    1. Serious injury of the student and/or the student’s immediate family. 
    2. Serious extended illness of the student and/or the student’s immediate family.
    3. Death of a student’s relative
    4. Other circumstances that affect the student’s ability to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

    Describe in detail:

    1. The reason for past performance difficulties (including supporting documentation).
    2. How the situation has changed. If it has not changed, describe how it is now being handled. Supply an outline of solutions for improvement.
    3. Outline of courses remaining to complete the baccalaureate program and the semester in which you plan to complete the course. The written appeal must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of notification from the Student Finance Office, or after receipt of credit grades, whichever is first. Appeals are processed on a case-by-case basis. The student’s circumstances, academic advisement and current federal regulations are taken into consideration. Appeal decision will be mailed within (30) calendar days (mailing procedure is the same as the suspension notification).

  • Types of Financial Aid

  • Financial aid programs covered by this policy are: Federal PELL Grant, Federal Direct Loan Programs (Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, Federal Parent PLUS, and PLUS Loan for Graduate or Professional Students) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award Program.

    Notes: Financial aid programs not listed above may have additional or more stringent conditions which must be met for continuation. Contact the source which made your award or processed your application materials. Examples: Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing institutional awards, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center scholarships/contracts, private agency funds or scholarships.

    Academic policies published in the Student Handbook may have additional or more stringent conditions which must be met for continuation.

    Check the current Student Handbook for information.