Qualitative Policy
The minimum UAB grade point average required to receive and maintain eligibility for financial aid is:
- a UAB GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates
- a UAB GPA of 3.0 for graduates
Quantitative Policy
In addition to GPA requirements, the law establishes a maximum time frame in which a student must complete his or her educational program. The maximum time frame is 150 percent of the published length of the educational program. For example, a student would be allowed no more than six (6) years to complete a baccalaureate degree that is normally considered to be a
four (4) year program. When measuring compliance with this policy, all terms attended are counted, including terms attended at other schools, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received.
Undergraduate
- An undergraduate student must complete degree requirements within a maximum twelve (12) semesters. A student seeking a second undergraduate degree will be allowed six (6) semesters to complete that degree. A term of part time attendance will be considered as part of a full semester. For example, a semester of half time attendance (6-8 hours) will be considered as one half of a full semester. Enrollment at other post secondary institutions will be included when
measuring compliance with this policy, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received.
- A student must complete 67% of course work each year in order to graduate within twelve (12) semesters. To meet this requirement, a minimum number of hours must be completed each year (2 semesters of attendance).
Graduate
- A graduate student pursuing a master’s degree must complete degree requirements within eight (8) semesters. A graduate student pursuing a doctorate degree must complete degree requirements within twelve (12) semesters. A semester of part time attendance will be considered as part of a full semester. For example, a semester of half time attendance (5 hours) will be considered as one half of a full semester. Enrollment at other post secondary institutions will be included when measuring compliance with this policy, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received.
- A graduate student must complete 67% of course work each year in order to graduate within the maximum time frame. To meet this requirement a minimum number of hours must be completed each year (2 semesters of attendance).
General Rules
- Financial aid recipients must select a major and be admitted to a program that will lead to the receipt of a degree or certificate by the time they reach junior status. A “pre” status is not a declared major. If you change your major more than once, it will be difficult to complete degree requirements within the maximum time frame allowed.
- A student who audits, repeats, and withdraws frequently from courses, or takes courses not related to a degree objective is not making satisfactory progress toward a degree, and is subject to the loss of student financial aid eligibility.
- A student seeking the reestablishment of eligibility and reinstatement of financial aid must submit a written request. A student may appeal the application of any part or all of this policy by writing to: Financial Aid Appeals Committee, UAB Office of Student Financial Aid, 317 Hill University Center. The written appeal must include the student’s name, social security number, the facts upon which the appeal is based and any supporting documentation that can be obtained from a third party.
- An appeal granted through the Provost Office of Academic Appeals does not satisfy nor replace the requirements of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.
- All academic work (including work voided by UAB’s New Start Option) must be considered in determining federal financial aid eligibility.
- Students who continue to pursue multiple degrees in excess of two (2) may be interpreted as not making satisfactory academic progress.