Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Financial Aid at Atlantic Cape Community College you must:
- Have a High School Diploma or GED, or have a passing score on all sections of the Accuplacer Placement Exam. Go to our testing link for more information on taking the Accuplacer visit: http://www.atlantic.edu/admission/testing/placementTest.htm You may also qualify if you have passed six or more college level classes prior to applying for aid. Contact our Financial Aid Office for more detailed information.
- be admitted and matriculated in a degree or certificate program at ACCC.
- be a US Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- be registered with Selective Service, if you are male click here to Register with Selective Service. www.sss.gov
- not be in default of a student loan, or owe a refund on any federal grant as stated in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Click here to check your status with NSLDS. www.nslds.ed.gov
- be making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by federal, state and/or ACCC regulations.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
To be eligible for all sources of financial aid, a student must demonstrate "Satisfactory Academic Progress" towards a degree as defined by ACCC Financial Aid Office. This policy is not the same as the Academic Standing Policy governed by college Counseling and Support Services Office. Your entire academic record (all semesters) is evaluated whether or not you had financial aid. The Financial Aid Office will review your academic progress ONCE per year. Below are the requirements to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress:
There are two components determining your academic progress: Credits attempted/Credits Earned and Grade Point Average.
1. To remain in a status of Satisfactory, you must meet the minimum credits earned and minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average.
ESL or Developmental Student
| Credits Attempted | Completion Rate | Minimum GPA Required |
|---|---|---|
| 3-20 | 25/% | .50 |
| 21-40 | 50% | 1.0 |
| 41-60 | 60% | 1.4 |
| 61-80 | 70% | 1.7 |
| 81-100 | 75% | 2.0 |
Regular Student
| Credits Attempted | Completion Rate | Minimum GPA Required |
|---|---|---|
| 3-24 | 50% | .50 |
| 25-48 | 60% | 1.4 |
| 49-72 | 70% | 1.7 |
| 73-92 | 75% | 2.0 |
Maximum Time Frame
Federal regulations restrict the amount of time that financial aid will pay for courses to no longer than 150% of the length of the educational program. Therefore, if the student is enrolled in a 64 credit hour program, the student will not be eligible for financial aid after 96 credit hours attempted. Please note that attempted hour include W grades.
2. If you do not meet the minimum requirements as stated in the tables at the end of the award year, you will receive in writing that you are not maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.
3. You may appeal this status if you have extenuating circumstances that prohibited you from meeting the requirements. Appeals are made by our Counseling and Support Services Office. If denied you will lose eligibility for all aid until your progress meets standards again. If appealed, your counselor may restrict your enrollment or place conditions on your grades.
For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 609-343-5082.