Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress

Graduate Student Standards

At the end of the spring semester each year or upon your re-enrollment at the University, your academic performance is reviewed to determine if you are making satisfactory academic progress (SAP).  The review is based on qualitative (grade point average) and quantitative measures (credits or credit equivalencies completed vs. attempted); it is also cumulative for all academic work attempted at UMass Boston.

UMass Boston observes the following Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines for graduate students:

• Graduate students are eligible for financial aid based on the U.S. Department of Education standards, which are both qualitative and quantitative.   The qualitative component requires that your grades and evaluation of work completed be measured against a norm.  The quantitative component specifies that the maximum time frame for completion of your program is set at 150 percent of the published length of the program.  For example, a two-year program must be completed in no more than three years.
• To continue to be eligible for financial aid, you must complete a percentage of you graduate program each year.  If you are attending part-time, the percentage is pro-rated.
• You must maintain a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative grade point average to remain eligible.
• Your academic progress will be reviewed each academic year based upon academic statistics at the end of the spring semester (or most recent semester completed).
• If you have been notified that you are no longer eligible for financial aid, you may appeal this decision to the Financial Aid Appeal Committee.  A written letter of appeal and documents supporting your request must be submitted to FAS within thirty (30) days of your financial aid denial letter.  The Committee may waive these guidelines and consider cases of unusual hardship, personal injury, death of a relative or other special circumstances.