150% Rule or Maximum Time-Frame for Completion
Students receiving financial aid are expected to complete their undergraduate degree within 150 percent of the program's published length. At Salem State, undergraduate programs require 120 credits for completion; students exceeding 180 attempted credits before degree completion will lose their eligibility for financial aid. (120 credits x 150% = 180 credits)
Generally, for full-time undergraduate students, this is equal to six years. Students who have not completed their degree within these parameters are ineligible for financial aid.
The 150% Rule is a federal regulation explained in the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling Guide. Salem State must follow this regulation:
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The 150% Rule applies to all credits attempted by the student, including Transfer Credits, W's, F's and Repeated Courses.
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All financial aid eligibility will be terminated upon reaching 150 percent of the credits needed to complete your degree program.
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Students must make other arrangements to pay their tuition and fees if their financial aid is terminated.
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Under extenuating circumstances, the 150% Rule may be appealed to the Financial Aid Office (FAO); however, 150% Rule appeals are rarely approved.
For additional information, please review the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.