Federal regulations require that all financial aid recipients must be working towards an eligible degree or certificate of completion AND must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Academic progress is evaluated using three factors:
Credit Hours completed
Students who fail to complete 66% (2/3) of all credit hours attempted, during the evaluation period(s) in question, will not have met Satisfactory Academic Progress and will need to complete the academic appeals process for further financial aid.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements
| Number of Credits Attempted* |
Minimum Cumulative GPA |
| 12 - 15 |
1.60 |
| 16 - 30 |
1.75 |
| 31 -45 |
1.90 |
| over 45 |
2.00 |
*Credits attempted includes, but are not limited to,: (W/Y) Withdrawals, (RX) Repeated courses, and (F/Z) Failed classes/no credit classes
For students who had to appeal: If you had to appeal and are placed on a probationary status, or were given stipulations set by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, you must meet the requirements set for you by the Committee. This criteria may vary from student to student so it is important that you check with the us if you are unsure of your requirements to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress. If you do not meet the criteria set for you, you may need to re-appeal or you may be ineligible for aid.
Click here to download the Academic Appeals request.
Maximum Time Frame
Students receiving financial aid are required to complete their certificate/ degree within an acceptable time frame. The Maximum Time Frame (MTF) allowed to do this is 1.5 X or 150% of the number of credits needed to complete their program of study. If a student has attempted 150% (1.5X) of the credit hours necessary for their degree/certificate they are considered to have met their Maximum Time Frame and will have to submit a Maximum Time Frame Appeal to our office.
MTF is based on credit hours attempted, not credit hours completed, so withdrawals, failed grades and repeated classes count towards MTF. Students who have a bachelor's degree and want to receive financial aid at MCC will automatically be considered to have reached their MTF.
Click here to download the Maximum Time Frame Form
