Satisfactory Academic Progress
Monitoring Progress
A student's progress will be monitored at the end of the spring semester or the last semester attended. The assessment will be based on the student's entire academic record, including all transfer credit hours accepted. Admission to The University of South Dakota or academic standing as defined by the Office of the Registrar does not necessarily constitute maintaining satisfactory academic progress for financial aid.
Completion Rate
Students must satisfactorily complete 67 percent of all credits attempted. Satisfactory grades are "A", "B", "C", "D", "S" and "RS." Unsatisfactory grades are "F", "I", "U", "RI", "RU", "IP", "and "W."
Minimum Cumulative Grade-Point Average
- Undergraduate Students: Federal regulations require a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Undergraduate students who do not have the minimum required GPA are ineligible to receive financial aid until their cumulative GPA is above 2.0. Cumulative GPA is calculated on all courses attempted at USD and all transfer credits accepted by USD.
- Graduate Students: The minimum cumulative GPA requirements for a graduate student is 3.00.
Maximum Time Frame
The University's standards include a reasonable length of time for students receiving Title IV funds to complete their educational objectives. Transfer credits, which are accepted by USD, will be included in the total credit hours. The maximum number of credit hours eligible to receive financial aid for an undergraduate degree are listed below:
| Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies | 96 |
| Associate of Science Degree (Nursing) | 96 |
| Associate of Science Degree (Dental Hygiene) | 145 |
| Bachelor of Arts/Sciences Degree | 192 |
The maximum number of credit hours eligible to receive financial aid for a graduate degree are as follows:
| Masters Degree |
45 |
| Specialist Degree |
90 |
| Doctor of Philosophy Degree |
126 |
| Doctors Degree |
135 |
Unsatisfactory Status
A student whose status is determined to be unsatisfactory is not eligible to receive financial aid until he/she meets one of the following conditions:
- Continues to attend USD at his/her own expense and returns to full compliance with all parts of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
- Demonstrates special circumstances to justify appeal consideration.
Right To Appeal
Students who have had their financial aid suspended due to unsatisfactory academic progress may appeal to the Office of Student Financial Aid. The appeal must be in writing, must be submitted within 30 days of notification of unsatisfactory status, and must be accompanied by all relevant documentation.