To remain eligible for New York State student financial assistance, you must remain in good academic standing. Good academic standing consists of two elements: (1) making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and (2) pursuing the program of study.

To make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, you must earn a minimum number of credits with a minimum grade point average each term you receive an award. Colleges should provide the required number of credits and minimum grade point average in a satisfactory academic progress chart that is published in the college bulletin or other financial aid information.

If you fail to make progress toward a degree—either by failing to earn enough credits or by failing to achieve the required minimum cumulative grade point average—you lose eligibility for a subsequent award. You can regain eligibility in one of four ways:

  • Make up the deficiency without benefit of State financial assistance;
  • Be eligible for and granted a one-time waiver;
  • Stay out of school for one calendar year; or
  • Transfer to and be accepted by another eligible institution.