Academic Standing and Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a crucial factor in maintaining eligibility for state, federal, and institutional financial aid. All recipients of financial aid should note that carrying forward incomplete grades (such as I, NP, or N) into future semesters jeopardizes academic progress and can result in disqualification from receiving any form of aid, including federal and state grants and loans. In addition to SAP standards, certain aid programs (such as New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program) may have additional or different academic progress requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may jeopardize a student’s continued financial assistance. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions about general requirements or personal status.

A student who loses financial aid eligibility because of failure to satisfy academic progress requirements may have his or her financial aid reinstated if satisfactory academic standing is regained or if he or she is readmitted to the academic program.

Please see the Academic Policies section for more information on the university’s Academic Standing Policies.

Impact of Repeating Coursework on Financial Aid

In accordance with federal program integrity rules, the Office of Financial aid is required to monitor and adjust Title IV funds, including Pell, FSEOG and Direct Loans for courses that are repeated more than once with a passing grade. For purposes of this policy, the Department of Education considers a “D” to be a passing grade, regardless of institutional policies or program of study. 

• According to Department of Education regulations, if a student receives a failing grade in a course, Title IV funds may be awarded for the student to retake the course until a passing grade has been earned. However, the student must meet New School academic policy standards, which may limit the number of times that a student is permitted to retake a course. Additionally, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards in order to continue receiving Title IV funds.

• Department of Education regulations allow for one repetition of a previously passed course. That is, if a student receives a “D” or better in a course, the student is allowed to retake the course once to improve the grade. Further attempts to retake the course will not be included in the students eligibility for Title IV funding. New School policy may allow for additional attempts to retake a course to earn a higher grade, however these attempts will not be covered by Title IV funds.

• The Office of Financial aid does not advise students in order to determine if a student may repeat a course. For guidance on academic program policies, please contact Student Success Advising. 

Financial aid awards will be adjusted when repeat courses are determined to be non-aid eligible. Students will be notified via their New School email accounts. Students are responsible for all payments on coursework that is not aid eligible. 

All repeat coursework (whether passed, failed or withdrawn) has an impact on Satisfactory Academic Progress. The New School's Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is provided in this catalog and is available by accessing the Financial Aid Policy page.